MILWAUKEE — Police say a woman with ties to Milwaukee is accused of running a multi-state retail theft operation in Arizona that allegedly involved using her own children to steal merchandise.
According to court documents, Shanise Thompkins, 37, is accused of directing her 11- and 15-year-old daughters to steal items from more than a dozen retail stores over roughly a one-month period. Investigators estimate the total value of the stolen merchandise exceeded $40,000.
Authorities allege Thompkins resold the stolen items online, and investigators say they traced the goods to her Facebook account.
In November, police conducted surveillance at Thompkins’ residence and reported seeing individuals loading multiple pieces of luggage into vehicles. Officers followed Thompkins to Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, where she boarded a flight to Milwaukee.
After searching her luggage, officers said they recovered approximately $15,000 worth of stolen merchandise. The following day, police stopped her 15-year-old daughter at the airport and allegedly found nearly $30,000 worth of stolen goods in the teen’s luggage.
During a court appearance, Thompkins denied the allegations, stating it was her first time being jailed and claiming she did not steal anything.
The court approved a $200,000 secured appearance bond, as recommended by prosecutors. The investigation into the alleged retail theft ring remains ongoing.
