Shoplifting scammers arrested at Osage Beach outlet mall
Posted: 10.16.2012 at 3:57 PM

The two women were stealing items and returning them later for store gift cards

Julie Wade-Berry and Shanita Butler / KRCG 13
Photo

Two Oklahoma women were arrested Sunday afternoon at the Osage Beach Premium Outlet Mall.

Osage Beach police went to Brooks Brothers after the two women were caught with stolen merchandise. The women had stolen the items earlier, then went back to try to return the items for store gift cards.

Authorities discovered 30-year-old Shanita Butler of Tulsa and 43-year-old Julie Ware-Berry of Broken Arrow had pulled the same stunt at the Tommy Hilfiger Store, where they successfully exchanged stolen merchandise for store gift cards.

The women were found – with gift cards and merchandise from other stores at the outlet mall -- after a search of the area. They initially provided authorities with false identification.

Butler and Ware-Berry were taken to the Camden County Jail. Butler is charged with felony and misdemeanor stealing, with $1,000 cash and $10,000 surety bonds, while Ware-Berry faces a third offense for stealing and a forgery charge with $750 cash and $7,500 surety bonds.