Suspect Accused of Concealing Merchandise, Swapping Barcodes in Walmart Theft Case

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested after police say she concealed merchandise and swapped barcodes during a theft at Walmart.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Walmart asset protection reported on March 5, 2026, that the defendant, Amy Beth Ciepiela, 53, had concealed merchandise inside bins, swapped barcodes on items for a lower price, and failed to scan additional items while using self-checkout.

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Walmart reported that Ciepiela left the store with approximately $800 worth of unpaid merchandise, according to the affidavit.

Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from Feb. 25, 2026, which reportedly shows Ciepiela failing to scan merchandise while using self-checkout before leaving the store with the items.

Additional footage allegedly shows the defendant with a large amount of clothing in her cart before appearing at self-checkout with the clothing items presumably concealed inside two plastic bins, according to the report.

Authorities noted in the affidavit that Ciepiela has multiple recent convictions for theft, which investigators said constitutes the felony theft offense.

Ciepiela was arrested on a charge of theft of property, a Class D felony.

Jail records show bail was set at $35,000 cash or surety, and Judge Curtis Hitt issued a no-contact order in the case.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.