Accused Shoplifter Stopped by Security Asks if She's Going to Jail

Ink stains and damaged jeans from removing security tags apparently didn't deter a Racine woman accused of trying to steal $620 worth of merchandise from Boston Store at Regency Mall.

Cheryl R. McMorris, 51, of Racine, was charged Wednesday in Racine County Circuit Court with a single count of felony theft. If convicted, she faces up to 3-1/2 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint, McMorris was seen Tuesday by store security taking items in several departments at Boston Store. The security team told police one officer watched McMorris on the in-store security video while another security officer saw the defendent in person.

McMorris took approximately 20 items into a dressing room, police say, while a security officer went into the stall next to her. Security said they could hear the sounds of security tags being removed, so when McMorris exited the dressing room, security checked the stall and found four broken tags but no clothes. She was seen on security footage with two grocery bags that appeared filled with items.

Both security officers watched McMorris exit the store into the mall. When they confronted her, they told police, the defendant gave them the shopping bags and asked if she would be going to jail.

Inside the security office, the bags were emptied to take an inventory of the goods. It was determined there was $620 worth of merchandise, including two pairs of jeans permanently damaged by security ink and the forcible removal of the tags. Security said they also searched McMorris' shoulder bag and located a pair of pliers stained with the same ink as was on the jeans.

McMorris was released on a $2,500 surety bond. Her preliminary hearing is Nov. 21 before Court Commissioner Alice A. Rudebusch.