Brian Smith
A Madison grand jury returned reduced charges against a Churchill Drive woman Thursday in connection with an incident at Kohl’s.
Connie Garcia, 51, was indicted on one count of theft by unlawful taking and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a prescription drug not in its original container for the Dec. 2 incident.
She had been charged originally with first-degree robbery for allegedly threatening to shoot a jewelry clerk at the store before fleeing with $4,500 in merchandise.
Police arrested Garcia in the parking lot of the store after finding her inside a car with a shopping cart containing the merchandise.
Despite Garcia allegedly threatening to shoot the clerk during the theft, police did not find a weapon. The merchandise was recovered from the vehicle following Garcia’s arrest.
The misdemeanor charge stems from prescription zolpidem pills being found outside their original container, according to the indictment.
If convicted, Garcia could receive up to five years in prison on the theft charge. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to 180 days in jail.
Other indictments
• Nathan Octavia Jones, no age or address listed, on one count each of first-degree sodomy, a Class A felony, and first-degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony.
The indictment alleges the incidents took place between Nov. 27, 2009, and Nov. 30, 2009, and involved a 7-year-old child.
If convicted, Jones could face a prison sentence of at least 20 years for the sodomy charge and a five- to 10-year sentence on the abuse charge. (RPD)
• John Edward Payne, 36, of the 1500 block of Lexington Road, on a single count of failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. If convicted, Payne could face up to five years in prison.
An indictment is a formal statement of charges and does not imply guilt.
Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694. For breaking news, follow Brian at www.twitter.com/RR_BSmith.
