A woman suspected of theft from an antique shop in Douglas County was spotted at a Carson City convenience store Wednesday, but police decided not to arrest her and instead agreed to allow her to return the items.
The case will be submitted to the District Attorney's Office for charges, said Douglas County public information officer Sgt. Tom Mezzetta.
When contacted by police, Lauren Miller, 31, admitted she was the woman in a surveillance photograph published in The Record-Courier on March 5, said Carson City Sheriff's Detective Bob Motamenpour.
He responded to a request by Douglas County to go to the Winner's Corner at Rand Avenue and Highway 50 East to contact with Miller, who had been spotted by a witness playing the slot machines at the location.
Miller was identified and placed in handcuffs to await the arrival of Douglas County Detective Brian Johnson. When Johnson arrived, he questioned Miller and decided to let her go in exchange for the return of the items, said Mezzetta.
Secret Witness offered a $250 reward for information identifying the woman seen in the surveillance video from the Feb. 5 theft at Old Town Antiques in Gardnerville.
Miller is allegedly shown in the videotape concealing $700 worth of items: two antique padlocks, brass spurs, a three-piece vanity set and a butterfly whiskey flask.
"She admitted her involvement and was released so she could retrieve the property," Mezzetta said.
She returned some of the items about 4:30 p.m. and agreed to make restitution on the other items missing, he said.
Motamenpour said Miller was cooperative with police and not a risk for flight.
"We have all her information and she's also on probation for burglary so we will be able to find her," he said.
He said he's had contact with Miller on several other occasions for similar cases.
"This is her M.O. She does this all the time," Motamenpour said.
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
