Walmart Worker Charged with Oreo Crime

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Walmart is pressing a felony charge against a 63-year-old worker who has been accused of stealing a bag of Oreo cookies from the Indiana store where she worked on the maintenance crew. Penny Winters was arrested this week after Walmart launched an internal investigation upon the discovery of an empty cookie wrapper. A subsequent review of surveillance footage showed "Winters select the package of cookies, open it, and proceed to consume multiple cookies during her work shift," according to a Portage Police Department report.

Posted by rcade at 10:33 PM | 56 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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rcade

Joined 2003/04/04
Visited 2013/05/18

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Apparently she wanted a little more than the chicken feed they usually pay her.

#1 | Posted by Whatsleft at 2013-02-21 10:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

How in any way can this be a felony?

They fired her. There is no reason to press charges, let alone felony charges.

#2 | Posted by Roy_Batty at 2013-02-21 11:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Charged with Oreo Crime"

That's racist.

#3 | Posted by Harry_Powell at 2013-02-21 11:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

Isn't the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony the dollar amount?

Felony is a bit of an overcharge...

--------

And Walmart pays most of their employees above the minimum wage.

#4 | Posted by MURPHY at 2013-02-21 11:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

Capitalists suck.

#5 | Posted by nullifidian at 2013-02-21 11:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

A family friend does loss prevention for a WalMart on the East coast.
She said 75% of her job is watching the employees.

#6 | Posted by Whizzo at 2013-02-21 11:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

It's no stretch. Voting for the other candidate is considered 'treason' by left and right partisans.

#7 | Posted by Diablo at 2013-02-21 11:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

Er, what?

#8 | Posted by Harry_Powell at 2013-02-21 11:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

What a joke. Now taxpayers get to spend tens of thousands of dollars to prosecute and imprison someone who stole maybe a hundred dollars worth of goods.

#9 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-21 11:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

A hundred dollars worth of oreos? Good lord that's a lot of oreos.

#10 | Posted by Harry_Powell at 2013-02-21 11:39 PM | Reply | Flag:

"A hundred dollars worth of oreos?"

If that's what part of a bag is worth.

I have no idea... don't think I've ever had one.

#11 | Posted by REDIAL at 2013-02-21 11:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

How in any way can this be a felony?

----

Probably because she admitted to stealing snacks from them for 7 months.

#12 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:07 AM | Reply | Flag:

Check that...the police report said she admitted to stealing 1-2 snack items (gum, chips, deli sandwiches) a week for 4 years.

A little sensationalistic journalism making it look like it's all over just a package of Oreos.

#13 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:15 AM | Reply | Flag:

"adding that she had also helped herself to other snacks during her seven-month tenure at the store"

Her saying that is why she's be charged with a felony.

Still firing her should be punishment enough.

#14 | Posted by Tor at 2013-02-22 12:49 AM | Reply | Flag:

"...the police report said she admitted to stealing 1-2 snack items (gum, chips, deli sandwiches) a week for 4 years."

Can't the Waltons just have her beheaded?

#15 | Posted by REDIAL at 2013-02-22 01:55 AM | Reply | Flag:

"adding that she had also helped herself to other snacks during her seven-month tenure at the store"

Her saying that is why she's be charged with a felony.

Proving once again that you should never talk to the police without a lawyer present.
Not that she could afford a lawyer on her WAL*MART wages...

Regardless, it's still ridiculous that such a minuscule amount of theft amounts to a felony. Class warfare.

#16 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-22 02:17 AM | Reply | Flag:

.... Don't Steal from...The Organization!

**** The fact that Walmart DESTROYED thousands of small American businesses shouldn't be seen as mitigating any of Penny Winters "Felonious" crimes!!!

#17 | Posted by AntiCadillac at 2013-02-22 02:30 AM | Reply | Flag:

WHy do people say ANYTHING to a PIG without a lawyer present? Honestly people, WTF is wrong with some folks?

#18 | Posted by GotTruth at 2013-02-22 05:21 AM | Reply | Flag:

Another good reason to never buy anything from Walmart. The children of Sam Walton shame the memory of their father every day.

#19 | Posted by danni at 2013-02-22 06:38 AM | Reply | Flag:

Disagreeing with Walmart's business practices is no reason to justify theft by an employee.

#20 | Posted by rearendhat at 2013-02-22 08:29 AM | Reply | Flag:

The Walton Family (no, not that idealised TV series dealing with quaint, old fashioned, mid-west family values) who run Wal*Mart pay themselves around $500 million dollars a year in 'compensation' for all their hard and unfailing work, (Walton Family net worth $102.7 billion) in keeping their heaving human ant's nest under firm control.

Of course they should fire and prosecute this immoral woman, who stole and ate a $1 packet of Oreos, it's their moral duty, as a lesson to others.

A Crime of the Century.

It's vitally important, when you are obscenely rich, to keep the underclass rigidly in their place. Heaven forbid that we should have another Revolution, like the Russians and the French? That would be treason. Then the Waltons would have to call out the National Guard!

#21 | Posted by hmscollingwood at 2013-02-22 08:33 AM | Reply | Flag:

"Disagreeing with Walmart's business practices is no reason to justify theft by an employee."
#20 | Posted by rearendhat

'Sure it is!'
--- The DR Left ---

#22 | Posted by KBM at 2013-02-22 09:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

What's really great about this is she won't be able to get another joc with a felony on her record.

#23 | Posted by nutcase at 2013-02-22 09:12 AM | Reply | Flag:

What's really great about this is she won't be able to get another job with a felony on her record.

#23 | Posted by nutcase

Yes it's sad, but actions have consequences. Good or bad.

#24 | Posted by Daniel at 2013-02-22 09:23 AM | Reply | Flag:

What's really great about this is she won't be able to get another joc with a felony on her record.

What's really great about this is she won't be able to get another joc with a felony on her record.

Maybe she should have thought about that before she helped herself to something that wasnt hers for 7 months. But I do agree a firing should have sufficed in this instance, or at least make her pay about $50 and move on.

It's funny how libs on this site just want the Waltons to "eat" the loss. I bet the Waltons give more in Charity than some states. Just because someone is poor doesnt mean they deserve charity.

And charity is what you libs are looking for, and when you dont get enough from people's hearts, you want the govt to force charity. That's wrong.

#25 | Posted by boaz at 2013-02-22 09:25 AM | Reply | Flag:

A warning and payment for the cookies would have been enough.

#26 | Posted by sames1 at 2013-02-22 10:24 AM | Reply | Flag:

This does seem like a little bit overkill. I'm betting she probably had other marks against her and this was a perfect time to make an example to others. Who knows, oreos today, flat screen tv's tomorrow.

#27 | Posted by Daniel at 2013-02-22 10:38 AM | Reply | Flag:

This shouldn't be a felony. Now the taxpayers will have to foot the bill to house and feed her if she has to serve time so that Walmart can "prove a point".

What a stupid waste. This should be a day in court and a fine and move on with your life.

#28 | Posted by Sully at 2013-02-22 11:01 AM | Reply | Flag:

What a stupid waste.

----

I don't know...she stole from them roughly 200 times.

#29 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Perhaps we should bring caning to America. If this woman could just be beaten senseless and bloody she'd remember to never steal another oreo.

#30 | Posted by danni at 2013-02-22 12:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

Now you're talking sense Danni. See, you're slowly coming around to reason.

#31 | Posted by Daniel at 2013-02-22 12:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

"What a stupid waste."
I don't know...she stole from them roughly 200 times.
#29 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:06 PM

Dozens of times without discipline or warnings? This is a strange way to go about this particular "crime"..

While obviously action should be taken - I wonder if she shares the cookies with other workers? Perhaps WalMart could afford muffins and coffee for their presumed shift meetings? There are local bakeries and such.. but utilizing local goods goes against WalMart business practice.

These people are stealing food which is generally a misdemeanor crime - my sense is that they aren't managed properly and this is intended to impact a larger internal organized criminal group. At least WalMart is willing to hire people over 60.

#32 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-22 12:27 PM | Reply | Flag:

Dozens of times without discipline or warnings?

----

When she got caught for the Oreos, she admitted to stealing 1-2 snack items per week for 4 years.

#33 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

"I don't know...she stole from them roughly 200 times."

OK. So maybe she stole 1,000 Oreos. Its like $150. That's a felony?

#34 | Posted by Sully at 2013-02-22 01:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

#34

Would it be more acceptable to you if it was flat screen TV's or drugs from the pharmacy? I'll bet the felony charges will be reduced.

#35 | Posted by Daniel at 2013-02-22 01:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

"OK. So maybe she stole 1,000 Oreos. Its like $150. That's a felony?"

Obviously, Walmart is trying to make an example of her to dissuade similar acts from other employees. They have to know this is a waste of time and money to pursue this beyond simply firing her.

But they must feel that crucifying this woman will reduce other employee theft.

It's sad and it's no surprise this happens frequently considering their business model of hiring the worst available, pay them very little.....they should expect a ton of this to happen.

#36 | Posted by eberly at 2013-02-22 01:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Dozens of times without discipline or warnings?"
When she got caught for the Oreos, she admitted to stealing 1-2 snack items per week for 4 years.
#33 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 12:34 PM

Her frankness is astonishing. She hasn't turned anyone else in either..

I still blame the environment of slave-wages for her specific behavior. She obviously made enough to cover the minimal costs - it was the principal that mattered initially to Penny, regardless being pure theft. She must be fired, however the law suit is for another purpose entirely, imo.

#37 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2013-02-22 02:01 PM | Reply | Flag:

One more reason why I despise Wal-Mart and do not shop there.

As a corporation they represent everything wrong with the "USA corporate society". They have greed but no compassion, no social conscience, no national loyalty or patriotism, and provide no empathy towards employees or customers. I find it depressing to go through their doors and see all the sheep buying their trash, giving them profits, while sending jobs to China.

The most outrageous aspect of all is that we taxpayers are forced into subsidizing them with healthcare, food stamps, and often economic development dollars that robs our society and country.

Why didn't they just warn her? Probably because they know they have a hundred others waiting for her pathetic job due to their corporate policies that have impoverished America. If any company in America ever needed to have their employees organized it is Walmart.

#38 | Posted by Robson at 2013-02-22 02:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

"The most outrageous aspect of all is that we taxpayers are forced into subsidizing them with healthcare, food stamps, and often economic development dollars that robs our society and country."

#39 | Posted by eberly at 2013-02-22 02:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Her frankness is astonishing.

----

Part of me thinks she confessed to clear her conscious. She obviously has a problem if she's been doing to for 4 years...at least 200 separate instances of theft.

#40 | Posted by Pirate at 2013-02-22 02:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Heney Ford, racist, Nazi sympathiser, etc., understood you have to pay the help enough or they will steal from you.

#41 | Posted by john47 at 2013-02-22 03:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

yeah sure danile,

Meanwhile, Shrub gets away with with violating FICA, murder and torture.

These charges are an outrage and entirely consistent with Medieval, Facist policies. Right up there with slapping handcuffs on a second grader for kissing a girl. Its the new norm.

#42 | Posted by nutcase at 2013-02-22 04:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

She obviously has a problem if she's been doing to for 4 years...at least 200 separate instances of theft.

Theft about as severe as overstaying a parking meter and not getting ticketed. I may not have gotten away with that 200 times in life but it's certainly more than three.

I don't get WAL*MART's approach here. When I worked retail if they caught you stealing they gave you a choice of either paying for the goods or filing charges. Then they fired you and trespassed you from the property. It's a pretty routine event. Are the HR people at WAL*MART just lazy?

#43 | Posted by snoofy at 2013-02-22 05:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

I once read that walmart, like many companies has a zero tolerance policy for stealing.

#44 | Posted by phesterOBoyle at 2013-02-22 05:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

Even the most zealous of corporate yellow breasted lap suckers must question how it is we can justify firing her and charging a felony, for eating Oreos, while Wall St and their contaminated with greed tribe like Corzine who stole trillions, get to walk away, and get paid off by taxpayers for stealing pensions etc..

Are American sheep so freaking stupid that they can't see beyond their nose and that the sheep are the victims of class warfare? Or are they so saturated with propaganda by the rich that they feel blessed if only to be had?

#45 | Posted by Robson at 2013-02-22 06:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

rob,

Righties think they're all going to join the 1%, so they like this arrangement and dream on. Of course, its never going to happen, because the 1% is really .001% and will remain so until the next revolution.

#46 | Posted by nutcase at 2013-02-22 08:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Disagreeing with Walmart's business practices is no reason to justify theft by an employee."
#20 | Posted by rearendhat

'Sure it is!'
--- The DR Left ---
#22 | Posted by KBM at 2013-02-22 09:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

Almost summarizes it.

while Wall St and their contaminated with greed tribe like Corzine who stole trillions, get to walk away, and get paid off by taxpayers for stealing pensions etc..

#45 | Posted by Robson at 2013-02-22 06:33 PM | Reply | Flag: -- DR right--

'Walmart its a criminal organization, using tax payer money like thugs. A boycot would be a better response by employees' but they don't have the brainpower to pull that off without getting caught with Oreos first.'
--- The DR ---

#47 | Posted by reitze at 2013-02-23 06:54 AM | Reply | Flag:

ABC news [sic] says she was just "snacking".

"Walmart Employee Hit With Felony for Snacking on Store Oreos"

"A Walmart employe in Indiana has been charged with felony theft after she was caught munching Oreos filched from the store's shelves, police said."

abcnews.go.com

#48 | Posted by KBM at 2013-02-23 09:18 AM | Reply | Flag:

Punishment should fit the crime.
Make her work holidays.

#49 | Posted by R_with_a_brain at 2013-02-23 09:26 AM | Reply | Flag:

How do you get a felony out of this mess as opposed to a misdemeanor?

#50 | Posted by AuntieSocial at 2013-02-23 10:44 AM | Reply | Flag:

On that "slave wages" charge...

The fact is Wal-Mart, everywhere I have ever been, has been head and shoulders above ll other food service and retail wages in every area, and it's even in the store manager's policy guidebook to do exactly that. Wal-Mart factually RAISES the employment wages for unskilled labor everywhere it opens. Haven;t any of you lifted your heads from the muck long enough to notice that a grand majority of the "unfair employer" agitation aimed at Wal-Mart comes from outside the employment ranks, not inside?

Are Wal-Mart jobs low-paying? You bet. But they're at the very top end of the bottom of the scale. You people can't seriously tell me you're expecting Wal-Mart to pay skilled labor prices for retail clerks and janitors, can you?

#51 | Posted by soheifox at 2013-02-23 11:56 AM | Reply | Flag:

But yeah, light the torches man, screw Wal-Mart! Support your local mom and pop shop whom employs only their family and oftimes pays their own children exactly NOTHING to work.

#52 | Posted by soheifox at 2013-02-23 11:59 AM | Reply | Flag:

Yep sohe screw Wal-mart, the ruthless corporate bastards.

Now they have the gall to subsidize their suppliers in efforts to in-source jobs? Pure evil I tell ya. You know they have even made a commitment to hiring vets. Jerks what kind of company would do such an unfair thing, trying to bring jobs into the country and employing vets. Right bastards I tell ya.

#53 | Posted by TaoWarrior at 2013-02-23 12:22 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Are Wal-Mart jobs low-paying? You bet. But they're at the very top end of the bottom of the scale"

They be good masters. They don't even use bullwhips on their employees.

#54 | Posted by nullifidian at 2013-02-23 12:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

"You know they have even made a commitment to hiring vets."

Nice corporate propaganda that isn't worth crap. It's the least they can do after destroying millions of decent American jobs that those vets could have had.

#55 | Posted by nullifidian at 2013-02-23 12:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

she's a thief and thanks to her and people like her I have to pay higher prices. period.

#56 | Posted by suzycreamcheese at 2013-02-23 02:12 PM | Reply | Flag: