Woman given probation for Walmart theft

BROOKSVILLE –
A 28-year-old woman will serve two years drug-offender probation for the December 2012 theft of a flat-screen television and surround sound system.

Jaime Lee Goldsmith, of Hudson, was adjudicated guilty of the third-degree felony charge of retail grand theft Tuesday and was ordered to pay back $776 in restitution in addition to her probation.

Goldsmith told Judge Daniel Merritt Jr. she could afford to pay back the money at $50 a month.

According to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office case report, Goldsmith and two other males were apprehended for the theft after an off-duty deputy saw one of the men acting “suspiciously” as he left the Walmart store at 13300 Cortez Blvd.

The deputy, who was volunteering with his church to wrap holiday presents outside the store — offered to wrap the stolen items. When the man replied he had gotten a good deal on the television and surround sound system, the deputy thought his behavior was odd and gave the tag number of the Pontiac Grand AM he was driving to a Walmart loss prevention officer.

Video surveillance revealed the theft, and found Goldsmith acting as a lookout.