A police officer in Columbus, Mississippi, faced termination after allegedly stealing a $140 pair of shoes while on duty.
The officer, identified as Robin Conner, reportedly took the item from a local Dick’s Sporting Goods store on February 21 while dressed in uniform and using her patrol car.
Conner’s colleagues responded to the store after an employee reported the incident. Upon arrival, they detained Conner, who was subsequently charged with misdemeanor shoplifting and granted a $862 surety bond.
Police Chief Joseph Daughtry expressed disappointment over the incident, calling it “embarrassing” and asserting that Conner would not receive special treatment. Despite being initially placed on administrative leave, Conner was later terminated from her position following a unanimous vote by the city council.
Daughtry emphasized the importance of upholding a higher standard of conduct within law enforcement, especially as the community begins to build trust with the police. An ongoing investigation aims to further address the matter.
This incident echoes a similar case from Florida, where a 48-year-old police officer faced charges for repeatedly stealing items from a Walmart self-checkout.
The officer, David Griffin, resigned from his position after being charged with multiple counts of retail petty theft.
