Shoplifters caught in the act during Operation Full Cart Press
Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies partnered with Liberty Police Department officers and retailers to identify and arrest shoplifters as soon as they’d committed their crimes on Dec. 9 and 13 in the retail area along Missouri Route 152 in Liberty.
Operation Full Cart Press resulted in the arrests of four people, three of whom have been charged:
- Yolanda K. Tinsley, 54, of Kansas City, Mo. - charged with resisting arrest and misdemeanor stealing in connection to the theft of $634.81 worth of items from Feldman’s Farm and Home, including Carhart coats and accessories
- Sylvester O. Smith, 58, of Columbia, Mo. - charged with misdemeanor stealing in connection to the Feldman’s Farm and Home theft
- Joe W. Wright, 51, of Kansas City, Mo. – charged with misdemeanor stealing in connection to Feldman’s Farm and Home theft
- A 22-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman – charges are pending in relation to the theft of $243.60 worth of stolen goods from Hobby Lobby, Target and TJ Maxx.
Law enforcement also recovered a stolen vehicle during the course of the operation. They contacted the owner, who came to reclaim her car.
The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office worked closely with officers and deputies throughout the operation to ensure the thieves face legal consequences.
“I commend the diligent work done by the professionals of the Liberty Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office,” Prosecutor Zack Thompson said. “This effort shows the positive results our community sees when law enforcement agencies work together to keep our community safe.”
Liberty Police officers have been working throughout the holiday season to address the issue of shoplifting in the city’s busy retail areas.
"We are committed to utilizing every available resource to ensure that Liberty remains a safe and welcoming community for all. This partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and our local retail businesses demonstrates our shared responsibility to uphold the law and protect our residents and visitors," Liberty Police Department Chief Jim Martin said. "The initiative aims to proactively address criminal activity within Liberty’s retail sector. The operation seeks to hold individuals who attempt to break the law accountable, ensuring that they are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has assisted Liberty Police on numerous occasions with their growing retail theft issues. According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft in the United States led to $121.6 billion in losses in 2023.
“This is a nationwide problem,” said Clay County Sergeant Neil Hessenflow, the coordinator of last week’s operation. “By gathering intelligence on repeat offenders, establishing a visual deterrent, and coordinating with prosecutors, Operation Full Cart Press will ensure that theft isn’t just blocked, it’s systematically dismantled.”
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