Ginny Sue Meineke is facing theft and drug charges in Great Falls after she reportedly shoplifted hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from Walmart, and using two children to assist.
Court documents state that on Saturday (March 31) at about 6:30 p.m., a police officer was called to the Walmart store on Smelter Avenue for a report of a woman – later identified as Meineke – who had been detained for shoplifting.
The store loss-prevention officer said that Meineke was seen taking swapping UPC pricing labels between expensive items and inexpensive items. She went to the self-checkout lane, and once the cart was full, she reportedly instructed a juvenile female to take the cart to their vehicle. Once a second cart had been filled, Meineke instructed a juvenile male to take the cart to their vehicle.
The court documents state the transaction labels in Meineke’s possession totaled just over $30; the actual value of the merchandise was $816.
Inside the vehicle, police found syringes, two of which contained a substance that later tested positive for meth. Court documents also note that Meineke’s speech was lethargic and her eyes had very little reaction when exposed to light.
Meineke is charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs (felony), theft (1st offense, misdemeanor), and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).
Court documents do not indicate whether the juveniles involved are Meineke’s children.
Court documents state that Meineke does not have a criminal record, but note that she has two confirmed city warrants and one Montana Highway Patrol warrant.
Prosecutors requested that bond be set at $5,000.
