Assistant Principal Faces Felony Charge After Alleged Walmart Self-Checkout Scam
An assistant elementary school principal in Georgia has been arrested and charged with felony shoplifting following allegations she stole nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from a local Walmart store. Courtney Janell Shaw, 47, was taken into custody by the Cherokee Sheriff's Office on Monday after a detailed investigation into her reported activities at the retailer's self-checkout terminals.
The Alleged 'Stacking' Method Thefts
According to police reports and surveillance evidence, Shaw allegedly employed what is known as the 'stacking' method to systematically steal items from the Walmart store over a two-month period. This technique involves placing multiple items on top of each other at the self-checkout register while only scanning one item before leaving the premises. Investigators state that between November 1 and December 31, Shaw allegedly stole 98 items with a total value of $943.97 using this deceptive practice.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
The alleged crimes came to light on January 12 when a Walmart employee provided surveillance footage to law enforcement authorities showing Shaw in the act of theft. Police investigators then reportedly matched the disgraced educator to the thefts through a driver's license database. Further evidence was gathered on January 14 when officers visited Shaw's residence and confirmed that two vehicles in her driveway—a 2018 Ford F-150 and a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee—matched those seen in surveillance footage speeding away from the store after the alleged thefts. Both vehicles are registered to Shaw according to official records.
School District Response and Professional Background
Following news of Shaw's arrest, the Cherokee County School District announced she had been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of both internal and law enforcement investigations. 'Immediately upon these allegations being reported, the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and law enforcement investigations,' the district stated in an official communication. 'Maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated.'
Shaw serves as assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School, a position she began in 2024. Her professional profile indicates she has been an educator for more than two decades, having previously worked as a fifth-grade teacher in North Carolina before teaching multiple grades in Florida and eventually relocating to Georgia. She has also served as an assistant principal at other schools within the state.
Personal Profile and Legal Proceedings
According to her school profile and social media presence, Shaw describes herself as a devoted family woman, stating 'My family is my LIFE! I LOVE being a wife and mom!' on her Facebook profile. She is identified as a married mother-of-one in official documents.
Shaw has been charged with one felony count of shoplifting and was released on the same day of her arrest after posting a $4,875 bond. The Cherokee Tribune reported these legal developments, though it remains unclear when she is scheduled to appear in court to face the formal charge filed against her. The case continues to develop as both educational and legal authorities conduct their separate investigations into the matter.
