CAMDEN – Seven suspects accused in a large-scale theft scheme at Mac’s Cash Saver appeared in court on Tuesday, before Judge Ryan Phillips. Each was charged with felony theft of property exceeding $5,000 after allegedly exploiting the store’s discount system to steal more than $12,650 worth of groceries.

The suspects, identified as Kaliyah Burton, La’Kiyah Hopson, a juvenile, Roxie Laster, Emmarie Owens, Brandon Garcia, and Chynethia King, were granted $2,500 signature bonds. Judge Phillips ordered them to comply with conditions of release, including abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and criminal conduct, avoiding firearms, and cooperating with legal proceedings.

According to the Camden Police Department, the theft occurred between January 9 and January 12, 2025. The store’s manager reported inventory discrepancies on January 13, prompting officers to review surveillance footage. Investigators discovered employees manipulated the checkout system by scanning a single yogurt and inflating the quantity to trigger discounts. This tactic allowed them to drastically reduce grocery bills or receive cash back.

Over the four-day period, the store’s records indicated the implausible sale of 22,170 yogurts, far exceeding its inventory.

Arrests began on January 13 at various locations. Emmarie Owens was taken into custody while counting money in the store’s office, and Lakiyah Hopson was arrested while working behind the counter at KFC. Roman Smith was initially detained but later released after detectives determined he was not involved.

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Brandon Garcia, one of the accused, is a former Camden Police officer and a detective with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Sources indicate Garcia had previously applied for the position of Camden Police Chief and was recognized as Crime Stoppers’ 2020 Detective of the Year for his role in major drug cases leading to federal prosecutions.

The Camden Police Department reminds the public that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Investigations remain ongoing, and further updates are expected.

LITTLE ROCK – A significant cold front is expected to sweep across Arkansas late Friday night into Saturday morning, bringing an extended period of cold weather to the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Little Rock.

The front will move west to east, ushering in temperatures that will drop sharply over the weekend. After Saturday, statewide high temperatures are not anticipated to reach 40 degrees until Wednesday afternoon or Thursday.

The cold snap will be most pronounced early next week, with some areas struggling to climb above freezing during the day. Residents across Arkansas are urged to prepare for the prolonged cold conditions, particularly as subfreezing temperatures may linger for multiple days in some locations.

The NWS highlights the importance of taking precautions, such as protecting outdoor pipes, ensuring pets are brought inside, and staying aware of any additional weather updates.

For more information and updates, visit weather.gov/lzk.

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EL DORADO – The City of El Dorado has announced that all administrative offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In addition to the closure, residents are advised that trash pick-up services will run one day behind schedule in each ward throughout the upcoming week.

City officials encourage residents to plan accordingly and appreciate their cooperation during the holiday observance.

For further information, residents can contact the City of El Dorado Administrative Offices.