Christopher O’Neal and Lauren Baker, who both list addresses in Helena-West Helena, entered pleas to charges filed against them stemming from the theft of a purse at a Mountain Home convenience store in the early morning house of March 15th during a session of Baxter County Circuit Court Thursday.
While the event happened in mid-March, the couple was not arrested until May when an officer stopped them after noticing their vehicle matched the one described as being involved in the purse theft.
The 33-year-old O’Neal pled guilty and the 27-year-old Baker no contest to the charges against them and both were given four years probation.
Video surveillance cameras at the store captured O’Neal and Baker parking next to the victim’s vehicle. O’Neal reached into the victim’s vehicle through an open window, took a purse and handed it to Baker. The couple then drove away. The purse contained two cell phones, a wallet, cash and other items, according to court records.
The pair was charged with taking the purse and using credit cards in the purse to make purchases in Ava. They also used a check found in the purse in Springfield.
In addition to the time on probation, restitution of almost $1,400 was assessed against the couple.
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