Shoplifting call leads to child abuse, drug charges www.privateofficer.com

Maryville TN OCT 30 2008
A shoplifting call on Saturday led deputies to a house where an infant was found, along with drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Jama Lynn Lequire, 28, Guadal Canal Drive, Maryville, was arrested Sunday by Blount County Sheriff's deputies on charges of child abuse and neglect, possession of a Schedule II substance, theft of property, possession of drug paraphernalia and evading arrest.

She was also served warrants charging her with identity theft, forgery and two attachments for contempt of court.

The incident began on Saturday night when Deputies Brian Smith and Hal Weeden responded to Ian's Market, 3108 Ralph Phelps Road, on the report of a shoplifter, according to a Blount County Sheriff's Office report.

Upon deputies' arrival, the manager said a female had concealed a package of Bugler tobacco and two cans of Sparks Plus beer in her purse, and then left the store without paying. He said the suspect left in a truck driven by a man whose name he knew.

Deputies reviewed the video of the incident.Deputies went to Drinnen Lane, where the man who was driving the truck was known to live, the report said.

They made contact with the man outside of the residence, who said he thought the shoplifting suspect was inside.Saw infant sleeping "We could observe an infant sleeping in a playpen through an open window," deputies reported.

"Three loud announcements were made to come to the door or we would make entry to the house. The suspect then jumped out of the back door of the residence and attempted to flee."Deputies were able to capture the suspect, identified as Lequire, and took her into custody. They then went in the house to check on the child.

Deputies discovered a purse, similar to one seen in the market video, sitting on the kitchen counter with a Sparks Plus beer inside it. Another beer can was found in the top of the kitchen trash can, the report said.They also reported that they found "white powder" on the kitchen counter and an open "pill capsule" on the sink "near the baby." While looking for the baby's clothing, they reported finding a spoon with white powder on it and two blue and green capsules marked "Kadian 100 MG" in a dresser drawer with the baby's shoes and socks.

Three more spoons with white powder on them were found in a makeup case and another spoon covered in residue was found in another purse.Deputies reported that they contacted the Department of Children's Services, which took custody of the child. According to the report, Lequire told deputies that she took two beers and a bag of tobacco from the store.

The tobacco was found under the couch. Lequire was being held without bond on the attachment for contempt charges.

She was being held in lieu of bonds totaling $28,000 on the rest of the charges, pending hearings at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and Monday.

==================================================
JOIN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE OFFICERS

www.privateofficer.com/

Get news alerts, officer down, weather emergency news in your mailbox!

Sign up;adminassist@privateofficer.com

Join us at www.myspace.com/privateofficernews

Come be part of our social network! www.privateofficer.com