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Police: Mothers used car seats, kids to steal from Walmart

JONESBORO, Ga. — Two mothers are in jail after police said they stole hundreds of dollars' worth of merchandise and hid it in their children's car seat.

Morrow police arrested Krista Green, 23, and Latari Thomas, 24, on Sunday.

Officers said the women went on a major shoplifting spree at the Walmart on Jonesboro Road Sunday. "(They) concealed approximately 119 separate items valued at over $670," Capt. James Callaway told Channel 2's Tom Jones.

Officers said Green and Thomas used their small children to hide the stolen items.

"They concealed these items, which is disturbing to us as a police department, under their children's car carrier.

Police said the pair used Green's 9-month-old baby's car seat to hide the stolen merchandise.

Officers said Thomas' 3- and 1-year-old daughters were also along for the crime.

Police said the women gathered the merchandise, then went to their car and retrieved three small duffel bags and returned to the store where they placed the items in the bags then in the car seat.

Officers said they watched all this unfold on the store's surveillance system.  Jones was in court as the judge asked Green if she was working.

"Yes ma'am," she replied.

Thomas said she was out of work.

The tally of the items police said were stolen included infant clothes and baby items. It also included nail polish and an assortment of nail accessories, men's socks, boxers and T-shirts.

Police said they were sensitive to the needs of people who are struggling in this economy. But, they said several agencies and churches in the area are available to people who need help.

"It's not my recommendation, nor anybody else's recommendation, to go out to Walmart and conceal 119 items and commit a crime in your children's presence," Callaway said.

Both women face felony shoplifting charges along with contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges.

The judge gave them both $13,000 bonds.

The Department of Family and Children Services has been called in to investigate.