Two Pine Bluff women are facing charges in Bowie County after authorities say they stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from a Texarkana retail store late last year.
According to court documents, Javona Shantell Whitmore, 42, and Allison Chanel Williams, 36, are accused of stealing more than $2,800 worth of fragrances from a Victoria’s Secret store located on Richmond Road on Dec. 3 and Dec. 5.
Investigators allege the women entered the store on both occasions, filled tote bags with merchandise and left without paying. A witness reportedly observed the incidents and recorded video of the suspects leaving the mall in a white Nissan Altima, which was later used to help identify them.
Authorities said the registered owner of the vehicle told police that Williams had been driving the car at the time of the alleged thefts. Williams later denied any involvement, according to the affidavit.
Further investigation revealed Whitmore had previously been arrested in Little Rock in connection with a broader organized retail theft operation involving multiple stores and an estimated $96,000 in losses.
Both women are charged with theft of property and organized retail theft. If convicted, the theft charge carries a possible sentence ranging from six months to two years in a state jail facility, while the organized retail theft charge is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
Whitmore is currently being held in the Bowie County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Williams has been released on bonds totaling $50,000.
