In a significant move, a woman identified as Ashley Cross, 37, has been banned from every Walmart store across the United States due to her alleged history of shoplifting. The Memphis Police Department confirmed this decision following several incidents involving the accused.
Authorities were dispatched to a Walmart located on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee, after reports of shoplifting emerged. Upon arrival, officers identified two women involved in the theft, with Cross being one of them. According to reports from WREG, she has gained notoriety as a repeat offender. Surveillance footage captured her using an old watch battery barcode to scan multiple items at a self-checkout machine for just $1.
Cross’s theft included 11 packs of Ramen noodles, jeans, a T-shirt, and boots, amounting to a total value of $137.34. In light of her previous shoplifting incidents, she has been placed on the Authorization of Agency list, which prohibits her from entering any Walmart store nationwide.
Previous offenses and legal troubles
This incident follows another recent case involving Seth Stires, a 33-year-old man from Columbus, Ohio, who was also banned from Walmart for theft. On January 14, Stires allegedly filled two duffle bags with merchandise valued at $34.95 and exited through a rear fire door without paying. He had previously received a formal trespass notice on December 10, 2023, which he acknowledged by signing it.
While the specific reasons for Stires’ ban were not disclosed, it is common for individuals with past shoplifting offenses to face such prohibitions. His criminal history includes various charges in Franklin County Municipal Court for theft and criminal mischief at different retail locations.
As for Ashley Cross, she is currently in custody with a bond set at $7,500 and is scheduled to appear in court on February 19. Walmart issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to providing a pleasant shopping experience for customers and associates while acknowledging that there are rare instances when individuals may be barred from their stores due to misconduct.
