A Coweta County elementary school principal has been arrested and charged with felony theft by shoplifting. Dr. Letitia J. Crosby, the principal at Thomas Crossroads Elementary, allegedly walked out with a cart full of merchandise from a Kohl's Department Store on January 6. The incident, caught on camera, included T-shirts, sweaters, a dress, jewelry, gift bags, and more, totaling around $917, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Despite being previously deterred from a similar incident, where nearly $300 in merchandise was recovered on November 18, 2024, an arrest did not ensue until this year. Having been provided photos and video evidence by Kohl's employees, the Coweta County Sheriff's Office arrested Crosby on January 23, as reported by WSB-TV Atlanta. An arrest report detailed how she was observed selecting merchandise, including Valentine's Day themed clothing and Christmas decorations, before exiting the store without payment.
As the case unfolds, the Coweta County School System, from which FOX 5 has yet to receive a response, is now handling the internal implications of Crosby's actions. She was placed on administrative leave, said a spokesperson for the school system adding, "Our school system’s focus at this time is on supporting the students and staff at Thomas Crossroads Elementary School."
While the full scope of Crosby's motivations or personal circumstances remains unclear, the loss prevention staff provided a statement about the shoplifting charge, which occurred on January 4. A detailed account described Crosby's movements through Kohl's, from the seasonal section where the Christmas banner and Valentine's T-shirts were picked, trailing through women's apparel and then into the jewelry department as she added items to her cart, announcing that she was ultimately captured leaving without payment by surveillance.
The Coweta County District Attorney's Office will now prosecute the case following Crosby's release on bond a day after her arrest. Details concerning legal representation or a statement from Crosby herself have not been disclosed at this time.
