On Thursday, April 4, deputies responded to a report of shoplifting at the Dollar General store located at 181 South Frontage Road in Columbus. The incident involved three suspects who were caught in the act by a vigilant store employee.

According to the complainant, who was familiar with the suspects, Antonio Conner, Patricia Moody, and Emma Conner were all inside the store at the time of the incident. Antonio and Patricia were actively engaged in shoplifting while Emma was present.

As deputies arrived at the scene, the suspects were seen leaving the store in a vehicle. Deputies conducted a traffic stop at River Hill Chevron on Main Street in Columbus and recovered the stolen items from the vehicle.

Antonio and Patricia were charged with felony shoplifting, while Emma was arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license. Both Antonio and Patricia are being held on a $25,000 bond for the felony shoplifting charges, with a hold for probation violation from the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

The suspects, with extensive criminal histories, have been booked into the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center. Antonio Conner faces a total of 73 charges, including 62 misdemeanors and 11 felonies, with 15 of the previous charges related to shoplifting offenses. Patricia Moody has 54 charges, including 38 misdemeanors and 16 felonies, with 20 previous shoplifting charges. Emma Conner has 53 charges, including 41 misdemeanors and 12 felonies, with one prior shoplifting offense.

Sheriff Eddie Hawkins expressed concern over the repeated offenses, stating, “Everyone knows that it’s not right to steal, these three just didn’t care. Surprisingly, they have been arrested so many times for shoplifting and avoided prison. Shoplifting affects everyone. At some point, these three have to realize that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated and they need to give up their practice of stealing. We look forward to holding them accountable.”

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and further charges may be pending.