A Boone County woman, 35-year-old Marcella Oliver of Harrison, has been charged with a felony count of theft of property in Newton County after she allegedly took funds from her co-worker.
The Newton County victim reported she was working at a canoe outfitter in the Mt. Sherman area and was closing for the day on Aug. 1, with only Oliver in the store. While Oliver is also an employee, on this day she was visiting.
The victim told law enforcement she had $1,164 in her purse on the counter obtained from the bank for the purpose of repaying her employer for a loan.
She allegedly told Oliver about the funds, and the Harrison woman had asked to borrow $20.
The victim said she exited the store to smoke a cigarette, and Oliver reportedly said she was going to the restroom.
When the victim returned to the store, she said the funds were missing from her purse. She said she went to the restroom where Oliver had been and noticed the empty bank envelope on the floor.
The victim said she confronted Oliver, who became defensive and gave her consent to be searched. But, she left the store a short time later.
Law enforcement received information Oliver was staying at a Harrison hotel. She had a cash-only warrant from Harrison and a felony probation violation out of Louisiana.
Harrison Police took Oliver into custody, and she was transported to the Newton County jail. In an interview there, she allegedly admitted to taking the funds and hiding it in her bra.
She said she purchased two $500 gift cards, and used one to secure the hotel room.
An employee at the store where the cards were purchased reportedly remembered Oliver. She told law enforcement Oliver first purchased a cart of groceries and then the two gift cards. She then left the store without the groceries.
The amount of Oliver’s bond was not listed in online documents.
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