HAMMOND — Louisiana authorities say a McComb woman thought she had the right formula to make some quick money, but she instead ended up in the Tangipahoa Parish, La., jail Friday.
Samone Rimes, 37, of McComb, is accused of stealing more than $18,000 worth of baby formula from several stores, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said.
Rimes faces charges of organized retail theft and possession of stolen property.
The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Department and the Hammond Police Department’s newly formed Retail Task Force worked the case.
Rimes’ arrest came after Tangipahoa Parish Detective Earl McFarlane and Hammond, La., Detective Chad Hill began investigating an alleged organized retail theft ring leg by an unidentified woman who they later determined was Rimes.
Tangipahoa Parish Financial Crimes Detective Travis Pittman also began searching through social media and reportedly found Rimes and arranged a sale with her.
Using surveillance video to positively identify their suspect, detectives discovered Rimes allegedly stole formula from several stores in the city limits of Hammond.
Rimes also allegedly used social media to advertise the sale of the stolen items or offered to swap for another item, authorities said.
After detectives connected Rimes to the alleged theft and fraudulent social media sells, they contacted her and planned an undercover purchase in the parking lot of Hammond Square Mall.
Once Rimes and the buyer met and the transaction was successful, she was arrested and taken into custody.
Edwards said Rimes told detectives that she began the scheme three months ago.
Edwards said more charges could be pending against Rimes, who is free on bond.
