Second woman arrested for stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise from local businesses

A second woman has been arrested accused of stuffing bags full of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen items at JCPenney at Stones River Town Centre but dropped the keys to the getaway vehicle and couldn’t leave on Saturday, June 26, according to detectives.

Ketarra Wright, 24, was served a warrant and arrested on July 8 at a probation office in Nashville. The Nashville woman facing charges of theft over $1,000. Detectives said additional charges could be pending.

Dereka Conway, 25, of Nashville, was arrested and charged with theft/shoplifting the day of the shoplifting spree. Conway also had several outstanding theft warrants for her arrest.

A JCPenney manager saw the women bagging merchandise and leave the store without paying around 6:51 p.m.

Conway and Wright got into a Dodge Charger but quickly realized they didn’t have the key.

Murfreesboro Police Department officers located Conway and took her into custody.

After checking the get-away vehicle, police found the stolen clothing from JCPenney valued at $2,295. There was an additional $9,683.21 worth of shoes, purses, clothing, iMac desktop computer, and tools to remove magnetic security sensors found inside the car. Some of the items were stolen from Hollister Co. at The Avenue.

Conway is also facing charges for allegedly stealing from Victoria’s Secret at The Avenue. More than $5,800 in merchandise was stolen on May 3, May 6, and May 18. In the May 18 incident, Conway assaulted a manager. Conway dropped her wallet as the manager attempted to take one of the bags from her.

Wright was released on her own recognizance from the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center July 8.

Conway is out of jail on a $7,500 bond.

Both women will appear in Rutherford County General Sessions Court for a hearing on Sept. 14.