Dunedin Woman Charged In Series Of Purse Thefts At Grocery Stores

DUNEDIN, FL -- She looks like everyone's favorite aunt. But Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies say 61-year-old Julie May Edie of Dunedin was stealing purses, wallets and checkbooks from women in area grocery stores.

Deputies have arrested Edie of Lazy Lake Road East, Dunedin, on multiple felony petit theft charges in connection with a series of grocery store thefts in Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor from Dec. 13 to Jan. 19.

According to deputies, Edie is accused of stealing eight purses, wallets and checkbooks from shoppers ranging in age from 68 to 80 years old. Deputies believe Edie would steal these items to search for cash.

Deputies arrested Edie on Jan. 19 and charged her with three counts of felony petit theft. The Clearwater Police Department also charged Edie with two counts of felony petit theft.

Edie was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident and is currently awaiting trial

Edie has multiple prior convictions for grand theft and cocaine possession, and she spent several years in the Florida Department of Corrections before being released in 2015.

Deputies believe there may be additional victims. If anyone has any further information or believe they have a related case, contact Deputy A. Plourde at (727) 582-6200 or via email at aplourde@pcsonet.com.

Image via Pinellas Sheriff

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