PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Missouri woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly using children to assist in a theft at a Paragould store.
Police were called to the business on July 31 following reports of an active theft. According to a probable cause affidavit, loss prevention staff observed Donnisha Nelson of Kennett, Missouri, enter the store with three young children.
Nelson reportedly hid merchandise inside a plastic tote and exited the building. She then circled the parking lot in a vehicle while the children tried to push the unpaid items out of the store. All were detained by staff until police arrived.
When officers contacted her, Nelson initially gave a false name. A background check revealed she had prior theft convictions within the last decade.
After waiving her Miranda rights during questioning, Nelson allegedly admitted to giving false information and made several incriminating statements.
She now faces three charges:
Theft of property (Class D felony)
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class A misdemeanor)
Obstructing governmental operations (Class C misdemeanor)
Bail information was not available at the time of the report. As always, all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
