NEWS

8 Items. Zero Shame. Assistant Principal Accused in Bold Walmart Theft Scheme

hoanghuyen Avatar

Posted by

hoanghuyen

-

A Georgia elementary school assistant principal has been accused of brazenly stealing 98 items worth about $1,000 from Walmart using a “stacking” scheme at self-checkout kiosks.

Courtney Janell Shaw, 47, was arrested Monday by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office after authorities were alerted that she had been swiping merchandise from the retail giant in Woodstock, about 30 miles outside Atlanta, for more than two months, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Shaw — an assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School — allegedly stole 98 items valued at $943.97 from Walmart between November and December.

Assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School, Courtney Shaw, has been accused of stealing 98 items worth approximately $1,000 from Walmart by using a self-checkout “stacking” scheme.
Free Home Elementary School assistant principal Courtney Shaw has been accused of stealing 98 items worth approximately $1,000 from Walmart by using a self-checkout “stacking” scheme.Cherokee Sheriff’s Office
Investigators said Shaw used a “stacking” method at self-checkout kiosks, placing multiple items on top of one another and scanning only one before leaving the store.

A Walmart employee provided authorities with surveillance footage of the alleged thefts on Jan. 12 and used a driver’s license database to identify Shaw as the suspect, according to the outlet.

Authorities said two suspicious vehicles seen in the surveillance footage — a 2018 Ford F-150 and a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee — were registered to Shaw and later located at her residence.

Shaw was booked into the Cherokee County jail and charged with one felony count of shoplifting following her arrest on Monday.

The mother of one was released later that day on a $4,875 bond.

Shaw — an assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School — allegedly stole 98 items valued at $943.97 from Walmart between November and December.
Shaw allegedly stole 98 items valued at $943.97 from Walmart between November and December.Courtney Shaw/Facebook
Officials at Free Home Elementary School in Cherokee County said Shaw has been placed on administrative leave.

“Immediately upon these allegations being reported, the employee was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and law enforcement investigations,” the district told Fox 5 Atlanta.

“Maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated.”

The veteran educator’s career spans more than two decades and includes leadership roles as an assistant principal at two other elementary schools.

Investigators said Shaw used a “stacking” method at self-checkout kiosks, placing multiple items on top of one another and scanning only one before leaving the store.
Investigators said Shaw used a “stacking” method at self-checkout kiosks, placing multiple items on top of one another and scanning only one before leaving the store.REUTERS
Her career began as a fifth-grade teacher in North Carolina before teaching multiple grades in Florida, according to the school’s website.

After transitioning into educational leadership in 2012 as assistant principal at Oak Grove Fine Arts Academy, Shaw was appointed assistant principal at Bascomb Elementary in 2016, a role she held for eight years.

In 2024, Shaw joined Free Home as the school’s first full-time assistant principal, bringing 24 years of educational experience.

The school praised Shaw on its website, writing, “She brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Assistant Principal at Free Home.”

Shaw is not the first high-ranking school official accused of using Walmart self-checkout to steal items.

In Florida, Bok Academy North principal Gregory Lewis was at a Walmart in Polk County in March 2025 when an asset protection officer observed him “skip scanning” at the self-checkout.

“FBI BREAKTHROUGH: The mask is about to come off. Federal investigators have confirmed the recovery of a glove belonging to the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping—and it’s a forensic goldmine. 🧬🏛️ The glove contains a clear DNA profile, providing the ‘smoking gun’ evidence needed to identify the masked individual once and for all. No more hiding in the shadows. With this genetic footprint, the FBI is closing in fast. The countdown to an arrest has officially begun. See the forensic details of the ‘Final Discovery’ in the comments.
“FBI BREAKTHROUGH: The mask is about to come off. Federal investigators have confirmed the recovery of a glove belonging to the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping—and it’s a forensic goldmine. 🧬🏛️ The glove contains a clear DNA profile, providing the ‘smoking gun’ evidence needed to identify the masked individual once and for all. No more hiding in the shadows. With this genetic footprint, the FBI is closing in fast. The countdown to an arrest has officially begun. See the forensic details of the ‘Final Discovery’ in the comments.

FBI Delivers Bombshell Update on Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother has been missing…

“FBI BOMBSHELL: The search for Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper just hit a massive breakthrough. Federal agents have recovered a glove belonging to the masked suspect, and it’s carrying the one thing he couldn’t hide: HIS DNA. 🧬🏛️ This forensic ‘smoking gun’ is the key investigators needed to unmask the monster behind the abduction. The trail is no longer cold—the DNA is being processed as we speak, and an arrest is imminent. The secrets of the desert are finally being exposed. Full forensic update in the comments below.
“FBI BOMBSHELL: The search for Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper just hit a massive breakthrough. Federal agents have recovered a glove belonging to the masked suspect, and it’s carrying the one thing he couldn’t hide: HIS DNA. 🧬🏛️ This forensic ‘smoking gun’ is the key investigators needed to unmask the monster behind the abduction. The trail is no longer cold—the DNA is being processed as we speak, and an arrest is imminent. The secrets of the desert are finally being exposed. Full forensic update in the comments below.

FBI Delivers Bombshell Update on Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother has been missing…

**”A HERO AT 12, A FIGHTER FOREVER. The halls of Tumbler Ridge High School will never forget the name Maya Gebala—the unsung hero who stared down a monster to protect her friends. But as she remains in critical condition at BC Children’s Hospital, the ‘miracle’ we’ve been praying for has taken a gut-wrenching turn. The latest updates from her hospital bed offer a haunting mix of hope and heartbreak. Her mother has just come forward with a revelation about the doctors’ warnings that will shatter your heart all over again. It’s not just about surviving anymore; it’s about the permanent scars left behind by a shooter fueled by darkness. While Maya shows flashes of strength, the medical team is issuing a stark reality check on the damage caused by the bullet fragments still lodged in her brain. The bravery she showed that day came at a cost no child should ever have to pay. You need to read the Full Family Statement and the terrifying ‘Final Warning’ issued by her neurosurgeons today—a detail so tragic it has left the entire nation in shock. Maya stood for us; now we must stand for her. Full details and the prayer vigil schedule in the comments below.
**”A HERO AT 12, A FIGHTER FOREVER. The halls of Tumbler Ridge High School will never forget the name Maya Gebala—the unsung hero who stared down a monster to protect her friends. But as she remains in critical condition at BC Children’s Hospital, the ‘miracle’ we’ve been praying for has taken a gut-wrenching turn. The latest updates from her hospital bed offer a haunting mix of hope and heartbreak. Her mother has just come forward with a revelation about the doctors’ warnings that will shatter your heart all over again. It’s not just about surviving anymore; it’s about the permanent scars left behind by a shooter fueled by darkness. While Maya shows flashes of strength, the medical team is issuing a stark reality check on the damage caused by the bullet fragments still lodged in her brain. The bravery she showed that day came at a cost no child should ever have to pay. You need to read the Full Family Statement and the terrifying ‘Final Warning’ issued by her neurosurgeons today—a detail so tragic it has left the entire nation in shock. Maya stood for us; now we must stand for her. Full details and the prayer vigil schedule in the comments below.

Tumbler Ridge shooting: Maya Gebala shot in head and neck while desperately trying to lock out shooter ‘They…

**”A MOTHER’S WORST FEARS REALIZED. 💔🚨 12-year-old Maya Gebala, the unsung hero of the Tumbler Ridge High School tragedy, remains in critical condition at BC Children’s Hospital—and the latest updates from her bedside are a devastating mix of hope and heartbreak. While we cling to every small sign of life, the details Maya’s mother just shared about the doctors’ latest warnings will break your heart all over again. The road to recovery isn’t just long; it’s a battleground. As Maya fights for a future she nearly gave up to save her classmates, the medical team is being brutally honest about the permanent toll the ‘sinister’ shooter’s actions have taken on her young body. From the bullet fragments still posing a threat to the uncertainty of her neurological recovery, the weight of this nightmare is growing heavier by the hour. You need to see the Full Family Statement and the specific ‘Warning’ doctors issued today that has left the community in tears. Maya protected her friends—now, she needs the world to pray for her. Full medical breakdown and how to support the Gebala family in the comments.
**”A MOTHER’S WORST FEARS REALIZED. 💔🚨 12-year-old Maya Gebala, the unsung hero of the Tumbler Ridge High School tragedy, remains in critical condition at BC Children’s Hospital—and the latest updates from her bedside are a devastating mix of hope and heartbreak. While we cling to every small sign of life, the details Maya’s mother just shared about the doctors’ latest warnings will break your heart all over again. The road to recovery isn’t just long; it’s a battleground. As Maya fights for a future she nearly gave up to save her classmates, the medical team is being brutally honest about the permanent toll the ‘sinister’ shooter’s actions have taken on her young body. From the bullet fragments still posing a threat to the uncertainty of her neurological recovery, the weight of this nightmare is growing heavier by the hour. You need to see the Full Family Statement and the specific ‘Warning’ doctors issued today that has left the community in tears. Maya protected her friends—now, she needs the world to pray for her. Full medical breakdown and how to support the Gebala family in the comments.

Tumbler Ridge shooting: Maya Gebala shot in head and neck while desperately trying to lock out shooter ‘They…

THE END OF HOPE: THE FINAL DISCOVERY 🕊️💔 **”A NATION’S HEART BREAKS WITH SAVANNAH. The hope that sustained us for weeks has officially vanished, replaced by a grief so profound it has brought the world of broadcast news to a standstill. Today, February 15, 2026, the Tucson Police Department delivered the final, devastating update we all feared: the search for Nancy Guthrie has reached its tragic conclusion. In a broadcast that will be remembered for years, Savannah Guthrie appeared live, unable to hold back the tears as she shared the news that her mother would not be coming home. Her raw, trembling voice transformed this investigation into a visceral lesson in loss and the fragility of life. Forensic evidence discovered in the remote Arizona desert led authorities to the final location, shifting this mission from a rescue to a criminal pursuit for justice. Savannah’s courage in this moment is nothing short of heroic. You won’t believe the heartbreaking final message she shared about the last time she spoke to her mother—a detail so personal it has left even veteran reporters in tears. Before the family requests privacy, you need to see the Full Live Transcript and the Digital Memorial Tribute below. The desert has given up its secrets, but the cost has been far too high. Full details of the ‘Final Discovery’ in the comments.
THE END OF HOPE: THE FINAL DISCOVERY 🕊️💔 **”A NATION’S HEART BREAKS WITH SAVANNAH. The hope that sustained us for weeks has officially vanished, replaced by a grief so profound it has brought the world of broadcast news to a standstill. Today, February 15, 2026, the Tucson Police Department delivered the final, devastating update we all feared: the search for Nancy Guthrie has reached its tragic conclusion. In a broadcast that will be remembered for years, Savannah Guthrie appeared live, unable to hold back the tears as she shared the news that her mother would not be coming home. Her raw, trembling voice transformed this investigation into a visceral lesson in loss and the fragility of life. Forensic evidence discovered in the remote Arizona desert led authorities to the final location, shifting this mission from a rescue to a criminal pursuit for justice. Savannah’s courage in this moment is nothing short of heroic. You won’t believe the heartbreaking final message she shared about the last time she spoke to her mother—a detail so personal it has left even veteran reporters in tears. Before the family requests privacy, you need to see the Full Live Transcript and the Digital Memorial Tribute below. The desert has given up its secrets, but the cost has been far too high. Full details of the ‘Final Discovery’ in the comments.

THE SEARCH IS OVER: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE BREAKS DOWN LIVE AS POLICE DELIVER THE F!NAL, HEARTBREAKING UPDATE IN HER…

**”A DAUGHTER’S WORST NIGHTMARE. 🚨🕯️ The world of broadcast news came to a standstill today as Savannah Guthrie delivered the final, heartbreaking update on her mother’s disappearance. Live on air, with a voice trembling from a grief too profound for words, Savannah confirmed that Nancy Guthrie has been found in the outskirts of the Arizona desert. What was once a high-profile search is now a pursuit for criminal justice. The grace Savannah has shown in the face of this ‘Final Discovery’ is nothing short of heroic, but the cost of the truth has been devastating. Even veteran reporters were left in tears by the personal details Savannah shared about their final moments together. Find the full details of the investigation and join the community in honoring Nancy’s memory in the comments below.
**”A DAUGHTER’S WORST NIGHTMARE. 🚨🕯️ The world of broadcast news came to a standstill today as Savannah Guthrie delivered the final, heartbreaking update on her mother’s disappearance. Live on air, with a voice trembling from a grief too profound for words, Savannah confirmed that Nancy Guthrie has been found in the outskirts of the Arizona desert. What was once a high-profile search is now a pursuit for criminal justice. The grace Savannah has shown in the face of this ‘Final Discovery’ is nothing short of heroic, but the cost of the truth has been devastating. Even veteran reporters were left in tears by the personal details Savannah shared about their final moments together. Find the full details of the investigation and join the community in honoring Nancy’s memory in the comments below.

THE SEARCH IS OVER: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE BREAKS DOWN LIVE AS POLICE DELIVER THE F!NAL, HEARTBREAKING UPDATE IN HER…

**”A GLIMMER OF LIGHT ON DAY 4. 🚨💪 Maya Gebala is showing the world what it means to fight. Nurses report that she is now trying to initiate her own breaths and is showing pupil response—small signs that mean everything in this critical hour. The family’s message is simple: One breath at a time. They are seeing the progress they’ve been praying for. She isn’t giving up, and neither are we. Stay with us for the full update on Maya’s condition in the first comment.
**”A GLIMMER OF LIGHT ON DAY 4. 🚨💪 Maya Gebala is showing the world what it means to fight. Nurses report that she is now trying to initiate her own breaths and is showing pupil response—small signs that mean everything in this critical hour. The family’s message is simple: One breath at a time. They are seeing the progress they’ve been praying for. She isn’t giving up, and neither are we. Stay with us for the full update on Maya’s condition in the first comment.

Encouraging Signs on Day 4 of Maya Gebala’s Recovery Journey A hopeful update has emerged on Day 4…

“BEYOND THE BROADCAST. 📺💔 As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s family continues, Craig Melvin is proving that friendship goes far deeper than the studio lights. Choosing to step away from the headlines to offer his unwavering support, Craig’s gesture has touched the hearts of millions. In a world of constant noise, his silence speaks volumes. It’s a testament to a bond that refuses to let a colleague walk through the fire alone. We stand with Savannah, and we applaud the kindness that reminds us we are human first, and professionals second. 🕊️
“BEYOND THE BROADCAST. 📺💔 As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s family continues, Craig Melvin is proving that friendship goes far deeper than the studio lights. Choosing to step away from the headlines to offer his unwavering support, Craig’s gesture has touched the hearts of millions. In a world of constant noise, his silence speaks volumes. It’s a testament to a bond that refuses to let a colleague walk through the fire alone. We stand with Savannah, and we applaud the kindness that reminds us we are human first, and professionals second. 🕊️

Craig Melvin Steps Back From Olympic Coverage to Stand With Savannah Guthrie During a Family Crisis, Choosing Presence…

“MORE THAN JUST COLLEAGUES. 📺💔 Putting humanity before the broadcast, Craig Melvin has paused his major career plans to support Savannah Guthrie during her family’s darkest hour. No search for medals, no chasing cameras—just the quiet power of being there. As the agony of the search continues, Craig’s decision serves as a beacon of light, reminding us all that showing up for each other is the most important role we can ever play. True friendship shines brightest in the shadows.
“MORE THAN JUST COLLEAGUES. 📺💔 Putting humanity before the broadcast, Craig Melvin has paused his major career plans to support Savannah Guthrie during her family’s darkest hour. No search for medals, no chasing cameras—just the quiet power of being there. As the agony of the search continues, Craig’s decision serves as a beacon of light, reminding us all that showing up for each other is the most important role we can ever play. True friendship shines brightest in the shadows.

Craig Melvin Steps Back From Olympic Coverage to Stand With Savannah Guthrie During a Family Crisis, Choosing Presence…