Alleged Shoplifter Flashes Knife at Loss Prevention Agent: Prosecutor

Vankemah Moaton, 38 | Cook County Sheriff

Bridgeview, IL, May 27, 2016 -- An Evanston woman was arrested after she pointed a knife at a loss prevention agent during a retail theft from the Bridgeview Kmart, prosecutors said Wednesday in court.

Vankemah Moaton, 38, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on charges of retail theft and aggravated assault against a peace officer.

Prosecutors said Moaton was observed around 9:40 p.m. May 24, placing $69 worth of merchandise inside her purse at Kmart, 7325 W. 79th St., Bridgeview.

When Moaton allegedly walked out of the store without paying for the items she was confronted in the parking lot by a loss prevention agent.

According to the charges, Moaton pulled out a folding knife and pointed it at the loss prevention agent. Alarmed, the agent went back into the store and called police.

Prosecutors said Moaton got into a waiting vehicle driven by another person and fled the scene.

She was later arrested and identified by the loss prevention agent.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Moaton is an Army veteran and has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Moaton has five previous state and federal convictions for forgery, identity theft, making and possession counterfeit security documents. and conspiracy, the prosecutor said.

“The aspect I find troubling is the knife,” Judge Felice said.

Bail was set at $75,000. Moaton is due back in court June 14 in Bridgeview.