Operation Full Cart Press Results in Arrests

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The Clay County Sheriff’s office and Liberty Police Department joined forces to take a bite out of crime this holiday season. They worked together on “Operation Full Cart Press” to find and arrest shopliftersarrest shoplifters as soon as they committed their crimes in retail areas on 152 Highway in Liberty.

Deputies and Liberty police officers were able to apprehend four individuals on Dec. 9 and 13, and three of them have been charged:

  • Yolanda K. Tinsley, 54, of Kansas City, Mo. - charged with resisting arrest and misdemeanor stealing in connection to the theft of $634.81 worth of items from Feldman’s Farm and Home, including Carhart coats and accessories

  • Sylvester O. Smith, 58, of Columbia, Mo. - charged with felony stealing in connection to the Feldman’s Farm and Home theft

  • Joe W. Wright, 51, of Kansas City, Mo. – charged with misdemeanor stealing in connection to Feldman’s Farm and Home theft

  • A 22-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman – charges are pending in relation to the theft of $243.60 worth of stolen goods from Hobby Lobby, Target and TJ Maxx.

Police and deputies were also able to recover a stolen vehicle during Full Cart Press. They were able to return the car to the owner.

Shoplifting incidences have been surging this year and Liberty Police have been making a substantial effort to stop the crime.

"We are committed to utilizing every available resource to ensure that Liberty remains a safe and welcoming community for all. This partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and our local retail businesses demonstrates our shared responsibility to uphold the law and protect our residents and visitors," Liberty Police Department Chief Jim Martin said. "The initiative aims to proactively address criminal activity within Liberty’s retail sector. The operation seeks to hold individuals who attempt to break the law accountable, ensuring that they are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has been working with law enforcement to make sure the suspects will face legal consequences.

“I commend the diligent work done by the professionals of the Liberty Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office,” Prosecutor Zack Thompson said. “This effort shows the positive results our community sees when law enforcement agencies work together to keep our community safe.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.