A Worthington woman faces a felony theft charge after police say she stole merchandise from a local convenience store late last month.

According to court documents, Brenda Payne, 34, is charged with theft with a prior unrelated conviction for theft or conversion, a Level 6 felony, stemming from a Dec. 27 incident at On the Fly in Linton.

Court records show a warrant for Payne’s arrest was issued Dec. 29, while the warrant was executed on Dec. 31.

Linton Officer Cade Herndon was dispatched to the business at approximately 4:31 p.m. on Dec. 27 after the store manager reported a suspected theft. The manager told police that Payne entered the store with two other individuals and was seen leaving without making a purchase but with an item concealed in her sweatshirt pocket.

Police reviewed store surveillance video, which corroborated the manager’s account, according to court records. The manager requested that all three individuals be trespassed from the property.

An officer later located Payne in a vehicle at a nearby park. After advising her of her rights, police questioned Payne about the incident. Court records state that Payne admitted to stealing chocolate-covered pretzels from the store and produced an unopened bag from her purse.

The stolen item was recovered and returned to the business, according to the probable cause.

Court records indicate Payne has a prior theft conviction from 2017.

Upon her arrest, she was transported to the Greene County Jail where her bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% cash allowed.