An Ottumwa woman is facing a theft charge after allegedly shoplifting merchandise from Walmart.
According to court records, officers with the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to the Walmart in the 1000 block of Venture Drive at approximately 12:44 p.m. on July 5 for a reported theft.
Authorities allege that 39-year-old Christina Hulen of Ottumwa selected merchandise from store shelves before proceeding through the self-checkout. Court documents state Hulen failed to scan several items and concealed unpaid merchandise inside her purse.
Store employees stopped Hulen before she left the store and recovered approximately $100 worth of unpaid merchandise, according to the criminal complaint.
Law enforcement reported that Hulen admitted to stealing the items because she did not have enough money to pay for them.
Hulen was taken into custody and is currently being held in the Wapello County Jail.
Court records also indicate Hulen failed to appear for a previously scheduled sentencing hearing on June 18.
Hulen has been charged with fifth-degree theft, a simple misdemeanor.
Source: Wapello County Court Records and Ottumwa Police Department criminal complaint.
