After Drug, Porn Charges, Walmart Shoplifting Too
A Pennsylvania woman who already faces drug and child porn charges can add Walmart shoplifting to her ever-growing list of problems.
Pamela Marie Smallis has been charged with retail theft and conspiracy for allegedly stealing several Apple products from a Walmart near Pittsburgh. The 49-year-old woman and two co-defendants in their early 20s are accused of stealing nine iPads and 23 iPods from the store, reports the Observer-Reporter.
Their alleged actions were caught on tape.
The trio can be seen on surveillance video entering the Walmart store in the early morning hours and ransacking the electronics department. They allegedly loaded a shopping cart with the stolen goods and wheeled them into their getaway van.
Smallis and her alleged co-conspirators were identified when they tried to sell the stolen goods in Pittsburgh.
Smallis first got into legal trouble last year when she was busted for the alleged sale of illegal narcotics and prescription medication to minors, reports the Observer-Reporter.
Her problems cascaded when authorities confiscated her cell phone and discovered a large amount of child porn on her memory card.
Given that Smallis had not yet faced trial on her previous charges, she'd been released from custody. However, after this most recent alleged Walmart shoplifting, it's possible that a Pennsylvania judge will deny bail and Smallis will have to remain behind bars until her criminal trial.
Judges typically have discretion to set bail amounts, or even to deny bail completely. Factors a judge may consider in making her decision can include the severity of the crime, the defendant's flight risk, as well as any potential danger the defendant poses to the general public.
Given her alleged drug habit and alleged crimes, Pamela Marie Smallis may have to spend some time behind bars until she answers for her many criminal charges.
Related Resources:
- Pa. porn suspect now jailed in Wal-Mart thefts (The Associated Press)
- Bail Proceedings: Background (FindLaw)
- Woman Jailed on 22-Year-Old Shoplifting Warrant (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Browse Criminal Defense Lawyers by Location (FindLaw)