70-year-old Sandra Kay Edwards and 51-year-old Adrienne Nichole Ghent / PCSO
By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published May 27, 2026
Two Lakeland women were arrested after deputies say they stole merchandise from a Family Dollar store. One suspect was already on felony probation for theft, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
News Summary
- Two Lakeland women arrested after deputies say they stole merchandise from a Family Dollar store
- One suspect was already on felony probation for theft, according to investigators
- Store employees reportedly recognized the theft in progress and alerted law enforcement
- A photo of the suspects’ getaway vehicle license plate helped deputies identify and locate them
- Both women now face felony theft charges, with one also charged with violation of probation
LAKELAND, Fla. — What investigators say was a coordinated retail theft at a Lakeland Family Dollar quickly unraveled thanks to alert store employees and a key piece of evidence left behind.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the theft occurred on May 20 at approximately 1:30 p.m. at a Family Dollar store in Lakeland.
Deputies say 70-year-old Sandra Kay Edwards and 51-year-old Adrienne Nichole Ghent, both of Lakeland, entered the store together before allegedly splitting up in an attempt to avoid suspicion.
Investigators say one woman created a distraction while the other allegedly stuffed merchandise into a personal bag.
But store employees reportedly noticed what was happening.
According to deputies, when a store representative confronted the women and told them law enforcement was being called, the pair fled the store with more than $90 worth of merchandise, including beer, coffee creamer, and men’s and women’s clothing.
One employee’s quick thinking proved critical in the investigation.
Before the suspects could get away, another store employee reportedly captured a photo of the license plate on the blue Chevrolet Equinox the women used to flee the scene.
That information led detectives directly to the suspects.
Deputies say both women were located the following day, May 21, at a residence on Westgate Avenue in Lakeland, where they were taken into custody.
Investigators say Edwards was already on felony probation for theft at the time of the incident—and had reportedly checked in with her probation officer just one day before the alleged theft.
According to the sheriff’s office, Edwards has a criminal history dating back to 1972, including prior offenses involving theft, assault, and robbery, and has previously served prison time.
Ghent also has a lengthy criminal history, according to investigators, dating back to 1989, with prior offenses including theft, battery, and resisting, along with previous prison time.
Both women were charged with Felony Petit Theft (F3).
Edwards also faces an additional Violation of Probation charge.
No additional details have been released.
Photo credit: Polk County Sheriff’s Office
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