Pubdate: Mon, 16 Feb 2009
Source: State, The (SC)
Copyright: 2009 The State
Contact:  http://www.thestate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/426
Author: Melissa Bryant

SHERIFF SELECTIVE ABOUT CRIMINALS HE PURSUES

My purse was stolen a few years ago. The thief took my credit card 
and used it at gas stations and a Wal-Mart in Richland County to run 
up more than $1,000 in charges.

When my credit card company informed me of this, I filed a report 
with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. I also went to the 
Wal-Mart to see if its loss-prevention department would tell me 
anything. I was shown a copy of the credit card receipt signed by the 
thief (who signed his name John Smith). I was also told that a 
sheriff's deputy could obtain a copy of the surveillance tape showing 
the thief making the purchase.

This evidence along with the surveillance tapes that could be 
obtained from the area gas stations gave me a ray of hope that the 
thief may be caught.

Upon returning with this news to the Sheriff's Department, I was told 
someone would "look into it."

I never heard anything from Lott's office. Too bad it was not Michael 
Phelps who stole my purse.

MELISSA BRYANT

West Columbia
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom