JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says a couple accused of using stolen credit cards to rack up thousands of dollars in fraudulent charges had no problem bringing two young kids along.
"People using their children to shoplift, it's not something we see a lot of it, but it's always very disappointing," Mark Techmeyer, a spokesperson with the sheriff's office, said.
Deputies said the couple stole a purse from a woman's car that was unlocked in the parking lot at Fairmount Elementary School in Golden. It happened on September 15 around 3:30 p.m.
Within minutes of stealing the purse, investigators said the suspects began fraudulently using the victim's credit cards.
"It happens very fast because they know the cards get canceled really quick," Techmeyer said.
Deputies said the couple used the stolen cards to go on a three-day spending spree, fraudulently buying liquor, clothes, electronics, gas and food.
Surveillance photos from a Kohls in Arvada show the couple's two young kids with them as they checkout. In one of the photos, one of the kids is holding a shopping bag.
"It's a deplorable act," Techmeyer said.
The duo with kids in tow then hit Mile High Wine Cellars, a liquor store next door.
Owner Mark Crowder showed Denver7 their receipt for charges including Angry Orchard Cider, Cîroc Vodka, and expensive Cognac.
"She reported it stolen and then the charges continued," Techmeyer explained.
Investigators said an error with the bank allowed the couple to keep using the stolen cards over three days, racking up nearly $7,000 in fraudulent charges.
The Jeffco Sheriff's Office is now hoping someone recognizes the couple in the surveillance photos.
"If there are any other charges that may surround having the children with them while they committed these acts is yet to be determined," Techmeyer said.
Anyone with information should call Jeffco's tip line call at 303-271-5612 or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867) reference case number 17-24849.
