Crime & Safety

Hugging Bandit Lands In Jail: Clearwater Police

Kathy Stevens, 65, is facing at least a dozen charges after being accused of hugging men and stealing their wallets.

CLEARWATER, FL — Remember the hugging bandit who preyed on older men in Clearwater and elsewhere?

In November, police reported a woman who would approach older men at stores and other public places, pretend to know them, give them a hug and then steal their wallets.

Clearwater police say they've now arrested a woman who is facing more than a dozen charges from Clearwater police and other law enforcement agencies after being identified as the hugging bandit.

Find out what's happening in Clearwaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Thursday, police arrested Kathy Stevens, 65. She's charged with at least four cases in Clearwater.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.