From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On July 18, 2013, Van Buren County Deputies responded to a shoplifting call and the Bee Branch Flash Market.  The store attendant observed the suspect try to conceal store merchandise and then leave the store with it.  When confronted, the suspect then then returned back inside the store to return the items.

Rebecca Hardy was arrested at the scene for shoplifting and was transported by an assisting Clinton Police officer who had responded to assist the Sheriff’s Department.

While en route to the Detention Center, Ms. Hardy claimed she was sick.  When Ms. Hardy was taken out of the vehicle at the Detention Center there was a clear plastic baggie that contained white residue in the floorboard of the vehicle.  The responding Deputy then contacted the 20^th Judicial Drug Task Force for assistance with the drug charge.  Mrs. Hardy was booked at the Van Buren County Detention Center on Shoplifting and Felony drug charges.  Ms. Hardy is being held on a $2500 bond.