Across the area

Police charge woman in theft

An Augusta woman was arrested Saturday night and charged with trying to steal items from a business by placing them under her baby in a car seat.

Juanica Martisha Franklin, of the 200 block of Calvary Street, was taken into custody in the theft of a DKNY shirt, two pairs of slacks and a three-piece suit.

A Richmond County sheriff's report said Ms. Franklin set off a security alarm while attempting to leave Burlington Coat Factory, at 1329 Augusta West Parkway.

Police said the woman had hidden the merchandise under her month-old daughter in the car seat.

After her arrest, authorities placed child into the custody of an 18-year-old cousin, records showed.

Ms. Franklin was charged with theft by shoplifting.

Fight damages room at Red Carpet Inn

Police were called to a motel early Sunday to investigate an altercation that occurred in a second-floor room at Red Carpet Inn, 2050 Gordon Highway.

At about 2:30 a.m. , two men began fighting on a balcony and fell through a paneled room, causing damage, a Richmond County sheriff's report stated.

There were no arrests, police said.

Employee at mall is accused of stealing

A woman who works at Augusta Mall was arrested after being accused of stealing money from a cash register.

Amber Nicole Preston, of Hephzibah , was charged with theft by taking after being spotted by security while she was working as a clerk at the JC Penney store.

The incidents occurred sometime between Jan. 19 and Jan. 26, a Richmond County sheriff's report stated.

Police said Ms. Preston gave money to a friend who was posing as a customer. Authorities said $243 was missing from Ms. Preston's cash register.

Ms. Preston was fired from her job and taken to jail after being charged with theft by taking, the report stated. She is out on bond.

2 attackers strike woman, steal items

An Augusta woman told police she was accosted Saturday night by a man carrying a baseball bat and a woman who grabbed her purse , which contained a $50 makeup kit, a $25 pair of beads and a $5 wallet.

After she pulled back and tried to keep her possessions, she was shoved to the ground and both attackers started punching her , a Rich¤mond County sheriff's report stated. Police said the woman suffered injuries to her left eye and the left side of her face.

Police were contacted after the woman reported to the emergency room at University Hospital.

The attackers got away with her belongings. Police are continuing their investigation.

Post's tax center will help retirees in filing

The Fort Gordon Tax Center is open and will help military retirees prepare their taxes, the post announced.

The center is in Room 118 of Building 29718, on B Street.

The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Fri¤day for appointments and from 1:30 to 6 p.m. for walk-ins. People with complicated tax issues or returns are encouraged to schedule appointments. For more information, call 791-7812.