Shoplifting incident leads to arrest of three suspects in Columbus

On Thursday, April 4, officers responded to a report of a shoplifting at the Dollar General Store located at 181 South Frontage Road in Columbus. The incident involved three suspects who were caught in the act by an alert store employee.

According to the complainant, who was familiar with the suspects, Antonio Conner, Patricia Moody and Emma Conner were all in the store at the time of the incident. While Emma was present, Antonio and Patricia were actively involved in shoplifting.

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspects were seen leaving the store in a vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop at the River Hill Chevron on Main Street in Columbus and recovered the stolen items from the vehicle.

Antonio and Patricia were charged with shoplifting, while Emma was arrested for driving without a valid license. Both Antonio and Patricia are being held on $25,000 bond on the shoplifting charge, with a parole violation hold by the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

The suspects, who have extensive criminal histories, were booked into the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Antonio Conner faces a total of 73 charges, including 62 misdemeanors and 11 felonies, with 15 of the previous charges related to shoplifting. Patricia Moody has 54 charges, including 38 misdemeanors and 16 felonies, with 20 prior shoplifting charges. Emma Conner faces 53 charges, including 41 misdemeanors and 12 felonies, with a previous offense of shoplifting.

Sheriff Eddie Hawkins expressed concern about the repeat offenses, stating: “Everyone knows it's not right to steal, these three just didn't care.” Surprisingly, they were arrested for shoplifting so many times and managed to avoid prison. Shoplifting affects everyone. At some point, these three must realize that such behavior will not be tolerated and they must give up their practice of stealing. We look forward to holding them accountable.”

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and additional charges may be pending.