From WRIL
On Thursday January 17, 2019 Middlesboro Officer Harvey Johnson responded to a complaint call from Walmart regarding shoplifting.
Once on scene, a Walmart loss prevention employee inform Officer Johnson that 31 year old Ashley Patterson of Middlesboro had shoplifted merchandise worth $33.62.
Officer Johnson states in his citation that as he was walking Patterson down a hallway in the store, he noticed a black 35mm film canister roll out of her pant leg. The officer reports that Patterson attempted to walk off from the container stating it wasn’t hers.
Johnson states in the report that inside the container he found a baggy of a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine.
Ashley Patterson was arrested and lodged in the Bell County Detention Center charged with theft by unlawful taking/shoplifting under $500, tampering with physical evidence, possession of controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense – Methamphetamine, and she was served two outstanding bench warrants.