Store Worker Accused Of Letting Customer Steal Merchandise
JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Johnston County convenience store employee is accused of repeatedly bypassing store procedures to allow an unidentified customer to take merchandise without paying, according to investigators.
Billie Jo Ryals, 39, of Angier, was arrested March 27 for felony larceny by an employee following a monthlong investigation by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
The inquiry began Feb. 26 when the owner of Garner Mart, located at 14642 N.C. 50, reported concerns that an employee was not properly ringing up purchases.
Authorities allege Ryals intentionally failed to scan items for a specific customer across multiple visits, effectively allowing the individual to leave the store without being charged.
Investigators estimate the total loss at $826. The merchandise included prepared food, soft drinks, bottled water, cigarettes, and beer.
Ryals was released after posting a $30,000 secured bond.
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9 Comments
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A $30,000 bond for stealing $826 for Ryals….. yet only a $2,000 for assault with a deadly weapon (https://jocoreport.com/man-charged-after-road-rage-shooting-on-u-s-70/). JoCo justice truly is blind. #voteOutIncumbents
There are always aggravating and mitigating circumstances that the magistrate takes into account when setting bonds. For example, a man gets out of his truck and attacks another man with a knife. That man defends himself by shooting the other man then gives himself up and waits for officers to arrive…. That’s just self defense and the deputies give the evidence to the magistrate to determine bail.
“a man gets out of his truck and attacks another man with a knife. That man defends himself by shooting the other man”
But that’s not what happened.
He dropped the knife before engaging. They were grappling together and the gun went off.
Yep, the store owner must be part of JoCo’s GOB network, needed to make an example out of the employee.
It is very suspicious to say the least. I’m sure the owner pays a very low wage to begin with and nobody should feel obligated to confront a criminal in the act. The majority of business’s today have a policy against trying to stop a shoplifter for obvious reasons.
What exactly did you read? Did you not read where it stated the employee ALLOWED the customer to walk out without paying? She didn’t ring up certain items on purpose, so why would she attempt to stop the shoplifter? 🤦🏽♀️
It is unfortunate that the article does not specify the crime of which Ms. Ryals is accused. The amount of bond certainly seems disproportionate to the alleged crime. Here is schedule of suggested bond amounts in NC:
General Bond Schedule Guidelines
Class 3 Misdemeanor: $100–$250
Class A1 Misdemeanor: $500–$2,500
Simple Assault/Shoplifting: $500–$2,500
DWI (First Offense): $1,000–$5,000
Class I Felony: $2,000–$5,000
Class H/I Felony: $2,000–$50,000
Class E Felony: $10,000–$100,000
Class C Felony: $50,000–$500,000
Class B1 & B2 Felonies: $200,000–$1,000,000
Drug Trafficking: $25,000–$500,000
The most appropriate charge to me would seem like larceny by employee. A class H felony and then for every count, you could argue, the bond could be increased. we don’t know enough information just from this article but I’m not one for jumping to conclusions.
Everybody is quick to call this theft, but nobody wants to talk about why things like this happen. Times are hard. Rent is high, groceries are high, and people are out here being told they need to make 3x the rent just to have a place to sleep. Add in lights, water, car notes, insurance… it’s overwhelming. I’m not saying she was right, but I am saying there’s a bigger picture. We live in a system where perfectly good food gets thrown away at the end of the night instead of helping someone in need but showing compassion can cost you a felony. That should make all of us pause. Now cigarettes and beer? That’s different. That’s a no go! you will not get those things. But basic needs? Food and Water.