A Terre Haute woman was arrested Thursday on charges alleging she participated in the theft of more than $1,100 in merchandise from the Linton Walmart and later provided false information to police.

Megan Dawn Robertson, 28, was arrested at 11:41 a.m. July 23 on a warrant for Level 6 felony theft, Level 6 felony assisting a criminal and Class B misdemeanor false informing.

Her bond was set at $8,500 surety with 10% cash allowed. She was released after posting $850.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Linton Police Department Lt. Wayman Blazier, Walmart Asset Protection contacted police around 11 p.m. July 18 after a woman later identified as Kora Vanness allegedly left the store with unpaid merchandise and entered a silver Chevrolet Tahoe.

An officer located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on County Road 90 South. Robertson was identified as the driver.

Police said they believed the front-seat passenger had exited the vehicle and fled before officers approached. Robertson and two male passengers allegedly denied that anyone had been sitting in the front passenger seat.

While speaking with the occupants, officers observed a large blue Walmart bag containing merchandise with store tags still attached, according to the affidavit.

Robertson later told officers the other woman had exited the vehicle at a gas station. Police subsequently found Vanness hiding behind a decorative sign near the vehicle.

The affidavit states Robertson also denied knowing Vanness or being related to her after Vanness identified Robertson as her cousin.

Robertson and another passenger were initially released from the scene. Police said officers later reviewed Walmart surveillance footage that allegedly showed Robertson, Vanness, and a male individual selecting merchandise together inside the store.

According to investigators, the footage showed Robertson carrying several clothing items before placing them into a shopping cart. Police allege the group also removed security devices from electronics.

The affidavit states Robertson and the male left the store without merchandise shortly before Vanness allegedly pushed a cart of unpaid items past the final point of sale. Robertson and the male were allegedly waiting inside the running Tahoe when Vanness carried two bags of merchandise to the vehicle.

Police said the vehicle then left the parking lot.

Walmart reported that officers recovered $1,152.64 in merchandise, including electronics, clothing, shoes, tools, a vacuum, camera equipment and collectible sports cards.

Vanness was arrested on July 19 on charges of Level 6 felony theft, Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine, Class A misdemeanor possession of a schedule I, II, III, or IV controlled substance, Class A misdemeanor resisting law enforcement, and Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia, according to court records.

Robertson is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court on Aug. 3 for an initial hearing.