A 40-year-old Bloomfield woman found herself behind bars May 1 after she was arrested for allegedly taking items from a Bloomfield gas station without rendering payment.

Bloomfield Town Marshal Kenny Tharp arrested Kathleen Preece on charges of theft with a prior conviction for theft or conversion. A warrant was issued for her arrest on April 30.

On April 29, Tharp received a report from a manager of Huck’s in Bloomfield. According to a probable cause affidavit written by Tharp and filed in Greene Superior Court, the manager reported Preece was in the store on April 28 and was captured on in-store camera stealing items. 

Tharp reviewed the store’s video footage and saw Preece place two cans of an energy drink into her purse, according to the probable cause affidavit. She was also captured placing an unknown item in her purse while walking down the store’s candy aisle. 

When Preece walked to the register, according to the probable cause affidavit, she placed a fountain drink on the counter. When the clerk asked her if that was all she had, Preece allegedly said yes. She paid for the fountain drink and exited the store. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, Preece was convicted of theft in September 2023. 

Preece was arrested on May 1 and transported to Greene County Jail. Her bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. She was released later the same day after posting $400.