OKC Woman Arrested For Shoplifting Wants A Change In Life

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Police catch two criminals red-handed with thousands of dollars of stolen merchandise in their home. One of the suspects invited News 9 into her home to say there is more to her story than her mug shot.

Forty-three-year old Laquita Jackson, known as "Treecie", admits to being a booster, someone who steals clothes and then sells them for profit.

This mother of eight tells News 9 she steals not just to maintain her lifestyle but to put food on the table.

Police visited the Park Forest apartment and found polo pants, leggings, old navy jeans and more, in all, more than $3,000 worth of merchandise.

Treecie gave an explanation for her many alias, her four prior prison sentences and her lifestyle.

"I guess I am a kleptomaniac people always focus on people's addiction of alcohol and drugs but I need help for my addiction and that's stealing," Treecie said.

According to police, the suspects admitted that since March 2011, they have been shoplifting from Sears, JCPenney's and Dillard's at Quail Springs Mall. Treecie said she steals because nobody will give a convicted criminal a job.

"I like to have nice stuff I like to dress and I don't have the means to buy it. I have been doing this since I was 15, this is something I need some help for," she said.

Treecie said many department store employees were in on the shoplifting. She stressed she is willing to work a menial job cooking or cleaning, and says she has never stolen from people but stores, She wants a chance at proving herself.