Deputies Uncover Trove of Stolen Medicine during Traffic Stop

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On Thursday, February 02, 2017 the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shoplifting in progress at CVS located at 511 E. Boonville New Harmony Road.
Responding deputies observed the suspect vehicle leaving the parking lot at a high rate of speed. Deputies followed the suspect’s black 2014 Kia Rio and conducted a traffic stop on Old State Road just north of Boonville New Harmony Road. Deputies then discovered that the driver of the vehicle had a suspended license.

Prior to towing the vehicle, deputies took an inventory of its contents and located nearly 9,000 dollars worth of stolen over the counter medicines, hygiene products and other retail items. The merchandise is believed to have been taken from various Walgreens, Dollar General and CVS stores throughout the tri-state area.

Sheriff Dave Wedding explained, “These suspects appear to be part of a theft ring that systematically targeted stores for high volume theft.” Sheriff Wedding added, “We are all victims when retail theft occurs. The honest customer is forced to pay increased prices to make up for the loss suffered by the retailer.”

ARRESTED:

Chelsea Nicole McGowan (image unavailable), 25, of Linton, IN. Criminal Gang Activity as a Level 6 Felony, Shoplifting as a Level 6 Felony, Recieving Stolen Property as a Level 6 Felony.

Tracie Marie Shipwash (image unavailable), 50, of Linton, IN. Criminal Gang Activity as a Level 6 Felony, Shoplifting as a Level 6 Felony, Recieving Stolen Property as a Level 6 Felony, Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic (2 counts) as a Level 6 Felony, Driving while License Suspended as a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of a Schedule IV Narcotic (3 counts) as a Class A Misdemeanor