Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marnisha Jarkeyra Smith, 18, was arrested yesterday after allegedly working with juvenile co-defendants to steal over $1,100 in merchandise from seven stores in the Oaks Mall.

During the afternoon of August 5, Smith and three co-defendants allegedly stole items from Dillards ($232), Aeropostale ($200), Belk ($134), F.Y.E. ($180), Hollister ($260), Altar’d State ($120), and Charlotte Russe ($73), totaling $1,139.

Two of the juveniles are 15 years old; the third co-defendant is not listed on the arrest report.

When the defendants were contacted by a Belk Loss Prevention Officer, they reportedly ran from the store but were caught on an RTS bus by a Gainesville Police Department officer.

Post Miranda, all four defendants reportedly admitted taking items from seven stores.

Smith has been charged with grand theft, engaging in a scheme to defraud, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She has no adult criminal history, and Judge Meshon Rawls ordered her released on her own recognizance.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.