GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — A Kmart employee accused of stealing thousands of dollars in jewelry, told police she needed to pay her mortgage.
According to a police report, a store audit showed several pieces missing from the case. The store manager told police when he pulled surveillance video he saw the woman pocketing rings and necklaces.
Stephanie Blair, 26, of Sugar Hill is now out of job and charged with two counts of felony theft by taking.
Gwinnett County police said Blair worked at the Kmart on Buford Highway.
Investigators believe while on the job she pocketed several pieces of jewelry worth thousands of dollars.
According to the police report, when the officer questioned her, "She stated she stole the items to help pay her mortgage." The officer noted "Blair said 'She knew it was wrong and was sorry.'"
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"There's no right to steal at all. Obviously if you're down on your luck and you're looking for money to pay your mortgage, bills and so on, there are multiple ways to do that," Ed Ritter with the Gwinnett County Police Department said.
Police said when the store manager confronted her she returned the items.
They included a gold ring worth about $1,600, two diamond engagement rings worth more than $5,000, two bridal rings and two rosary necklaces for a total of more than $12,000.
Twice on Friday Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh went to the Blair's home to get her side of the story. No one came to the door.
Kavanaugh tried talking to employees at the Kmart. They told us they were not allowed to comment. Blair is out of bond, awaiting her next court date.