HARTFORD, Wis. — A woman accused of stealing hundreds of dollars from a Walmart was arrested after returning to the store during a “Shop with a Cop” event, authorities said.
According to WITI, 24-year-old Sophia Malak was taken into custody after entering the Walmart in Hartford, Wisconsin, during the holiday-themed event on Saturday, December 6. The Hartford Police Department described the event as having “the kind of holiday energy that could make even the Grinch crack a smile.”
However, police said the festive atmosphere took an unexpected turn when Malak, who allegedly committed a felony-level retail theft just days earlier, returned to the store.
Authorities reported that Malak was recognized immediately and, upon being confronted, officers found more than $253 worth of items in her cart. Malak reportedly claimed she was “just trying to get gifts for her kids” but allegedly admitted to the theft and stated she had changed her mind about stealing more due to the number of officers present.
Further investigation revealed approximately $900 worth of stolen toys in her vehicle. Malak now faces a felony charge of retail theft, police said.
