GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Simone Fratisha Baker, 33, was arrested yesterday after police accused her of taking nearly $1,600 worth of fragrance testers from an Ulta store in September. She is also the subject of a sworn complaint alleging that she stole more than $5,000 in merchandise from Kohl’s the previous month.
According to a Gainesville Police Department report, Baker entered the Ulta at Oaks Square, located at 6843 West Newberry Road, around 6:38 p.m. on Sept. 16. An employee noticed that a fragrance tester had disappeared and became suspicious when Baker appeared nervous after the item was mentioned.
The employee said Baker acknowledged having the tester and handed over four fragrance testers. A later review of store surveillance allegedly showed that she had taken more than the four items she returned. Investigators said the video depicted Baker pushing a stroller with a child inside and placing additional merchandise behind the child. In all, nine testers were reportedly taken, valued at approximately $1,595.
The officer said Baker allegedly focused on stores selling fragrances, concealed products in the stroller and then purchased a low-cost item before leaving with the remaining merchandise unpaid.
Baker is also connected to an Aug. 18 incident at Kohl’s, where she is accused of stealing high-end fragrances worth about $5,088. A Kohl’s loss-prevention officer reportedly told police that Baker used the same stroller tactic whenever she visited the store. The employee said Baker would sometimes approach the front of the store and claim that the security alarm might sound because the stroller contained items purchased elsewhere. She also allegedly bought a small product to distract employees. Baker has not yet been booked on the related grand-theft allegation.
Police said Baker was identified by comparing surveillance footage with her identification photo. The Kohl’s loss-prevention officer also reportedly recognized her after she applied for a Kohl’s card.
The officer noted that Baker has a prior history of alleged retail theft and is wanted in Louisiana on a fraud charge.
Baker faces a grand-theft charge. Her record includes one nonviolent felony conviction and five nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. She is currently on probation for felony petit theft and also faces the sworn complaint tied to the Kohl’s case. Judge Lua Lepianka set bail at $75,000.