Victoria's Secret Thief Tells Police 'It's Addictive and Easy Money'

GLENDALE — Police say a woman who reportedly stole more than $3,000 in Pink Brand clothing from two area Victoria's Secret stores told authorities "it's addictive and easy money," when questioned by authorities why she did it.

According to her criminal complaint released by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office to Patch, Carlesha Smith, 23, of Milwaukee, faces two counts of felony retail theft. She faces up to 3 years in prison and 4 years of extended supervision and up to $20,000 in fines or both if she is convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Smith reportedly took approximately 34 Pink Brand clothing items, which includes pants, tops, and hoodies from the Victoria's Secret located in the Bayshore Town Center just before 2 p.m. on April 25. The estimated retail price was $1330.30 for the items taken.

She reportedly went to the Pink Brand table just inside the store, quickly grabbed a large armful of clothing and fled the store. An eyewitness spotted Smith running through a nearby parking lot with armfuls of clothing, her complaint read.

Police say Smith reportedly staged another theft at another Victoria's Secret on April 29 - this one on North Center Parkway in Glendale. According to the criminal complaint, Smith entered the store and approached the display, grabbed all of the clothing from the top and bottom shelf and fled the store without paying. According to a store employee, they estimated the amount of stolen merchandise to be approximately $2000, including approximately 20 tank tops ($26.95 each), 16 zip up hoodies ($49.95 each), and 12 pairs of sweatpants ($54.95 each).

According to her criminal complaint, officers compiled video footage from the two stores and a nearby parking garage and compiled a photo array to identify Smith as the suspect. On May 5, an officer identified Smith's car and took her into custody.

"You have me on camera, so I can't deny it," Smith reportedly told officers at the time of her arrest. When asked why she steals from Victoria’s Secret, she replied, “because everyone loves ‘Pink’ jogging suits.”

She was released on a signature bond on a signature bond and ordered to have no contact with Bayshore mall and All Victoria's Secret stores.

______________________

Get Patched In:

Stay up-to-date with Metro Milwaukee News with Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Newsletters and E-Mail Alerts | Facebook | Twitter