WALDOBORO, Maine — A Waldoboro woman has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the theft of more than $6,000 in merchandise from stores in Damariscotta and Waldoboro.
Karena S. Parker, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of Class C theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, a single count each of Class D and E theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, and two counts of Class E violation of condition of release on Jan. 25, according to court documents. The Class C charges are felonies because the amount of merchandise exceeded $1,000 in each instance. The Class D and E charges are misdemeanors.
Parker was sentenced to two years in custody with all but a 90-day jail term suspended, plus a year of probation on one of the felony charges. Lesser sentences on the other charges will run concurrently.
Her probation conditions bar her from Hannaford, Renys and Rite-Aid in Damariscotta, as well as Family Dollar in Waldoboro, and require counseling for psychological issues.
Parker stole $2,357.19 in merchandise from Rite-Aid and $2,012.34 in merchandise from Renys on Sept. 14, 2015. While free on bail, she stole about $50 in merchandise from Family Dollar on Sept. 16 and $759 in merchandise from Hannaford on Oct. 8.
Parker stole cosmetic items, household goods and toys, along with many other items. She would go into each store with bags, fill the bags — and shopping carts in some cases — with merchandise, and then leave the store.
Police Chief Ron Young and Officer Kyle Sylvester were the investigating officers in Damariscotta. Officer Thomas Bartunek was the investigating officer in Waldoboro.