The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

State News

November 13, 2009

Police: Ex-store clerk gave discounts to woo man

A former sales clerk at a home improvement center is being accused of discounting $20,000 worth of merchandise in an attempt to woo a man.

Nitro police arrested 20-year-old Katie Lynn Smith on Thursday on a fraudulent schemes charge. Smith formerly worked at a Lowe’s center.

A criminal complaint filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court said Lowe’s security video shows Smith selling the man a pressure washer worth several hundred dollars for the $3.66 price of an 80-pound bag of concrete.

When asked about it, Smith admitted to incorrectly ringing up nearly $20,000 worth of store merchandise over a four-month period “to a male she desired as a boyfriend.”

Police spokesman Ray Blake said Smith hasn’t yet secured an attorney. A phone listing for her could not be found.

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