A local convenience store clerk and a Sturgis woman were arrested and charged after police say they exchanged food and beverages for drugs.
Morganfield Police report around 11:00 Thursday night two individuals walked into the Ideal Market Gas Station and picked up multiple cases of beer, soft drinks and other alcoholic beverages and then walked out and placed them in a vehicle without paying for the items. Authorities say the two subjects then walked back into the store and grabbed a few empty bags near the check-out counter and walked down the aisles stuffing the bags full of sweets, beef sticks, several different types of candy and even mint mouthwash. Instead of using cash, or a debit or credit card, police indicate the suspect bartered a small bag of methamphetamine with the store clerk and then left the store.
Morganfield Police say the store clerk, 48 year old Beth Ricketts of Morganfield, was later questioned by officers and placed under arrest for the unconventional and illegal trading of goods. The non-consumed food and beverages totaled over $160.00 and were returned to the store.
Ricketts was lodged in the Union County Detention Center for first degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine and theft by unlawful taking or shoplifting under $500.
Authorities indicate 43 year old Shauna Ragsdale of Sturgis was arrested less than a mile from the Ideal Market.
Ragsdale was lodged in the Union County Detention Center for first degree trafficking a controlled substance – greater or equal to two grams of meth, illegal possession of a legend drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.
(Pictured L to R: Beth Ricketts & Shauna Ragsdale)
(Source: Union Co. Detention Center)