Two Fort Worth women were apprehended by the Texarkana Police Department on Monday after successfully executing a scam at a local business, resulting in the theft of over $1,600 worth of gift cards. The suspects employed quick thinking and confusion tactics to deceive a clerk before making their escape. However, the alertness of the store's staff and the diligent efforts of local law enforcement led to their swift apprehension.
The incident unfolded when the two women engaged in a conversation that bewildered a clerk at a Texarkana establishment, enabling them to leave with a substantial haul of stolen gift cards. Soon after the suspects departed, the clerk realized the fraudulent nature of the interaction and promptly informed a colleague of the incident. Officer Zierre Spencer of the Texarkana Police Department arrived at the scene, gathering crucial evidence from the store's surveillance footage. Images of the two women and their Chevrolet Blazer, featuring Oklahoma license plates, were swiftly disseminated to fellow officers.
Approximately a couple of hours later, Officer Casey Schmidt spotted the suspect vehicle on Jarvis Parkway and conducted a traffic stop. Accompanied by Officer Jonathan Price, the officers engaged in conversation with the two occupants of the Chevrolet Blazer, identified as Bridgit Anderson and Johnita Graham. It was quickly determined that they matched the description of the suspects captured in Officer Spencer's photographs and were even wearing the same clothes as seen in the surveillance footage. Subsequently, Anderson and Graham were placed under arrest on charges of theft.
A thorough search of the suspects' vehicle led to the discovery of several loaded gift cards and various brand new items suspected to have been obtained using stolen funds within the Texarkana area. However, upon further investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered an extensive criminal history for Johnita Graham. It was revealed that she had multiple outstanding arrest warrants across northeast Texas, including charges of felony Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity in Lake Worth, misdemeanor Theft in Ennis, felony Theft in Tarrant County, felony Theft in Decatur, felony Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity in Tyler, and misdemeanor Theft in Kaufman County.
Due to the fact that both women had previously been convicted of theft at least twice before, the charges for the Monday incident were elevated to felonies. The court set a bond amount of $10,000 each for Anderson and Graham. However, Graham's additional warrants must be addressed before she can secure her release. Presently, both suspects remain in custody at the Bi-State Jail.
