Published: November 03, 2009 09:14 am      

Clinton couple accused of theft

CLINTON — A Clinton couple were charged after allegedly admitting to police to stealing merchandise from Wal-Mart and causing more than $5,000 in damage to the store Oct. 11.

William C. George, 35, of Clinton, is charged with second-degree criminal mischief and fifth-degree theft. His wife, Tammy L. George, 42, faces an amended charge of third-degree theft because of two prior theft convictions.

According to a court affidavit, police were called to the store at 2715 S. 25th St. after a store loss prevention employee allegedly saw the couple causing damage and stealing items on store surveillance.

William George was shown on video attempting to pull laptops from their displays in the store’s electronics department, police said. He was unable to remove any of them, but caused $4,454 in damage to the eight computer displays.

Court records state he then pushed a cart full of Chicago Bears merchandise into the garden center, where he told his wife, Tammy George, that he was going to take the items and to pull the car around.

William George then reportedly cut a hole through a sand and steel wall and a fence around the garden center, causing $907.61 in damage. After pushing the merchandise through the hole, he left the store and met his wife by the stolen items, police said.

The two allegedly loaded the stolen goods, valued at a total of $129.47, into the trunk of their car and drove away. Later, the Chicago Bears items — including a pullover jacket, jersey, T-shirt, two fitted hats, a tablecloth and shower curtain hooks — were found at the Georges’ home, court records state.

The couple were arrested after an interview Oct. 25 at the Clinton Police Department.