Grand Theft: investigation leads to arrest of Citrus Heights woman

Updated March 10, 5:56 p.m.–
Police announced the arrest of a 35-year-old Citrus Heights woman this week after she allegedly stole a purse from an unlocked vehicle and then made purchases using a stolen credit card at several local retailers.

In a news release on Thursday, police said suspect Shannon Marie Loveless had been located and arrested on March 7, after officers investigated the incident and were able to connect her to the theft through video surveillance images obtained from stores where the stolen card had been used. Police said the theft was reported Monday evening near the area of Hilltree Avenue and Greenback Lane.

Although the suspect’s identity was initially unknown, police said the victim was able to provide information about several recent credit card transactions that occurred in Citrus Heights, which helped officers obtain the surveillance images used to identify Loveless.

Police said the 35-year-old suspect was located around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, while parked in front of her residence in Citrus Heights. Items belonging to the victim were located in the Loveless’ vehicle and a further investigation recovered wedding bands and engagement rings that were taken out of the victims purse, according to police.

Online inmate records indicate Loveless is being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail on $50,000 bail. She is charged with two felonies, including grand theft and identity theft.

In Thursday’s news release, police praised the role of local retailers in assisting with the investigation, stating that video surveillance provided by the businesses “were instrumental in allowing our officers to identify the suspect.”

The department also said it “strongly discourages leaving valuables in your vehicle,” and said vehicle doors and windows should always be locked, with valuables out of view.

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