CRANBERRY TWP — Two separate retail thefts at a township store were allegedly committed by two women, who each have four prior theft convictions.

The incidents took place over the span of 17 hours last week at Walmart on Route 19.

According to court documents, officers were called to Walmart at 5:45 p.m. Feb. 13 for a retail theft. Loss prevention officials told police that Sharon A. Lesperance, 55, of Zelienople went through a self-checkout aisle without paying for four items valued at $44.59.

Loss prevention officers attempted to question Lesperance in a store office, but she let go of her shopping cart and fled the store. She was pulled over by police shortly thereafter.

The complaint notes Lesperance has four prior convictions for shoplifting. She was arraigned Feb. 13 on a charge of retail theft and, on Tuesday, posted $2,500 cash bond. A March 1 preliminary hearing is scheduled.

Less than a day later at 11:29 a.m., officers were called back to Walmart for another case of retail theft.

Loss prevention officials said Karen Verheyen, 41, of West Sunbury took empty plastic shopping bags from an aisle and proceeded to go around the store placing items in them. She then attempted to leave the store without paying for the more than 60 items valued at $519.33.

According to the complaint, Verheyen has four previous retail theft convictions. She was arraigned Feb. 14 on charges of felony retail theft and receiving stolen property. She is in Butler County Prison in lieu of $2,500 cash bond. A March 1 preliminary hearing is scheduled.