Shreveport police recovered stolen property and have three people in custody for allegedly stealing or possessing stolen goods.
Jimmy Bates, 35, and Beverly Bates, 39, both of the 2900 block of Jackson Street are believed to have shoplifted from stores like Lifeway Christian Bookstore, Christian Life, Old Navy, Formals Etc. and Stage for the past several years.
The arrests came Wednesday when a security guard at Mall St. Vincent stopped four black males on suspicion of stealing property from Sam Goody’s.
Police arrested Bates and another man, Randy Bennett, 25 of the 2700 block of Murray. Bates was charged with aggravated assault and felony theft after the guard identified him as a man who tried to run over him during a shoplifting incident in December of 2000. Meanwhile, Bennett was charged with illegal possession of stolen things (IPST) in connection with Wednesday’s incident.
During the course of the investigation, police were led to Bates’ home where they recovered new clothing, including two prom dresses, as well as purses, compact discs and DVDs.
Today, Beverly Bates was arrested and charged with IPST and accessory after the fact. Both Beverly and Jimmy Bates were on probation for felony theft. She has been arrested 56 times, and he has been arrested 26 times.
It is believed the suspects moved their shoplifting operation to other towns such as Marshall, Longview and Tyler. The investigation continues, and police are currently looking for more stolen merchandise.