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On the evening of July 25th, school board member Janice Boydston was stopped as she tried to leave the Lookout Valley Wal-Mart. An employee said she saw Boydston conceal several items in her purse and then try to leave without paying for them, and that it was all on surveillance camera. Sgt. Jerri Weary of the Chattanooga Police Department explains: "An officer responded and spoke to loss prevention and then issued a citation for Theft Under $500." According to the police report, six items from the health and beauty department were found in her purse. The total price at $34.05. We spoke to Boydston earlier today. She said she did pay for $85.00 worth of groceries. She said she has nothing to hide but under the advice of her attorney she would not do an interview. "Theft under $500 is a misdemeanor charge," adds Weary. Boydston says her purse was open and in the cart. That's how she said the items inadvertently got into her purse while she was shopping. Diane Dixson was shopping at the Lookout Valley Wal-Mart Monday afternoon. "Usually my purse is open like that," says Dixson. "I put it in the top and then hook it and it would be possible that I could put something into it without knowing like that." Dixson adds she's always sure to check it when she gets to the register. Shopper Spencer Crane has a strong opinion about what happened. "I think a thief is a thief. If you're going to steal something it don't matter who you are it's wrong." This could jeopardize Boydston's position on the Hamilton County School Board. Just a week and a day before this incident happened the board adopted a new code of ethics. If found guilty, she could face censure by the board or be referred to the district attorney for ouster. Shopper Kim Haddock also had a strong reaction to Boydston's story and worries about the impact on school children. "What are they supposed to think? They're supposed to be role models for our children."
Theft under $500 is a misdemeanor charge and carries a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days and a fine. Boydston faces a September 11th hearing on the charge in General Sessions Court.
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