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Remember what store were dealing with wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:21 PM:
For the record, Walmart "security" employees can be completely wacked, and I wouldn't trust their story unless there's videotaped evidence. I had a friend who got stopped on his way out in the parking lot for a freaking soda pop....THAT HE PAID FOR. The dunderheads didn't even believe him when he produced a receipt.
Ms. Howard deserves innocence until proven guilty with more than just the word of some overzealous wannabe security guard. I realize they get a lot of shoplifters and need to be diligent, but they HAVE been dead wrong before.
Ms. Howard deserves innocence until proven guilty with more than just the word of some overzealous wannabe security guard. I realize they get a lot of shoplifters and need to be diligent, but they HAVE been dead wrong before.
CB info wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:08 PM:
How long does it take for a city to come up if she stay or leave ? The city needs to act like they should or maybe they ALL should go away
we want to know wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:34 PM:
we want to know what has happened in this case. If she was cleared we want to know. If it has not gone to a hearing, then wait for the outcome so we dont draw more attention to her in case she is innocent.
but when this is done, we want the paper to cover this story
but when this is done, we want the paper to cover this story
Now Hear This wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:26 PM:
If she's innocent, then Chuck Freeman has a big problem! Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing!
Position wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:34 PM:
I think that it's horrible that just because of her position she's going to be investigated. It said clearly that for a "normal" person then Wal-Mart would handle the matter. Just because she's the finance director doesn't mean she should get a harder punishment. It doesn't matter how much she gets paid either. She's a human, just like everyone else.
presumed guilty wrote on Sep 3, 2008 6:12 PM:
Lola,
You are an excellent example of pre-judging a person based on the selective reporting you read in this newspaper. May you never have occasion to appear in its pages!
You are an excellent example of pre-judging a person based on the selective reporting you read in this newspaper. May you never have occasion to appear in its pages!
killface wrote on Sep 3, 2008 4:29 PM:
Greetings, America. I trust you're all comfy on your tacky sofas from 'rooms to go', lots of nibbles close at hand. Well, tuck in and why not smoke between gobbles. Yes, go for the gusto, America. Live like there's no tomorrow because as far as you squalored lot are concerned there very much isn't. so look upon my work ye mighty and despair...
I HOPE WHEN THEY FIND OUT IT WAS A MISTAKE AND SHE SUES WALMART,THE WORLD NEWS PAPER,COOS BAY AND WHOM EVER ELSE BLEW THIS OUT OF PROPORTION ....RUINING A PERSONS CAREER WITH OUT ALL THE FACTS IS IN EXCUSEABLE .
I HOPE WHEN THEY FIND OUT IT WAS A MISTAKE AND SHE SUES WALMART,THE WORLD NEWS PAPER,COOS BAY AND WHOM EVER ELSE BLEW THIS OUT OF PROPORTION ....RUINING A PERSONS CAREER WITH OUT ALL THE FACTS IS IN EXCUSEABLE .
stoptheslander wrote on Sep 3, 2008 11:13 AM:
I hope when the "investigation" is over and the charges are dropped or the whole story clears her, that the World Newspaper will take the same amount of time and space to let the whole region know it!!
D.Taylor wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:58 AM:
The Oregon State Police concluded in an investigation that there was NO INTENT on Howard's part to steal anything! She was distracted by her children,(sound familiar any of you?). She had not left the store yet. She was confronted, and became a little flustered. She was not given the option to pay for it at that point, or was she asked if she had forgotten to pay for the product. AND...why hasn't the City(MAYOR, Chuck FREEMAN) released a statement concerning the findings of that investigation? They were quick to call this paper and inform on the incident. The Mayor/Freeman probably asked her to take the time off. WHY?
lola wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:30 AM:
Has anyone heard the word "kleptomania"?
This story also appeared in "The Register-Guard", and I, for one, applaud "The World" for publishing it too.
Do you see the amount of this person's salary? The horror is that she's on paid leave!
You must consider her position and the implications of this charge regarding it! Finance director! Shoplifter! God help us!
This story also appeared in "The Register-Guard", and I, for one, applaud "The World" for publishing it too.
Do you see the amount of this person's salary? The horror is that she's on paid leave!
You must consider her position and the implications of this charge regarding it! Finance director! Shoplifter! God help us!
It Happens wrote on Sep 2, 2008 1:28 PM:
I agree with you Darla. Without knowing what the $12.57 item was, and where it was found, the World did not have enough information to run a fair story. If Walmart has video showing her concealing the item, then she's probably guilty. But if the item was in the bottom of her cart or in her hand, then chances are it was a mistake. People are convicting Ms. Howard on very little evidence. Let's get more details before we tarnish someone's reputation.
crash wrote on Sep 1, 2008 4:06 PM:
Do think she ran out of Wal-marts' door with a big hunk of meat or a new pair of shoes? I just don't know what else would cost $12.57 unless they have wal-mart beer at that price.
moonpenny wrote on Sep 1, 2008 2:21 PM:
I have personally got home to find a few items left at the store, that I purchased, I guess it was the checker "stealing" my goods or the person who forgot to put my fries in with the burgers, yap, thats it, they are a closet fry thief. Get a grip people, go find a job and get out of the house. You spend way too much time with your little tin foil hats on looking for conspiracy's.
darla wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:44 PM:
The "news" paper should be ashamed, as should those assuming someone's guilt off of a half-story. There is not enough detail here to make any judgment nor should this article have even been printed until more facts were known. Pathetic.
coos bay native wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:00 PM:
If she's stealing from stores she could also be stealing our own public money from the City of Coos Bay.
fred wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:51 AM:
Mine is the first comment re Freeman. Message poster "Hey Dude", the guy came to us from the smallest of small towns outside of Spokane - not the big city. That city council and mayor prefer toadies (look that one up)- not leaders who are not afraid to make waves. Also, with more than $100,000 annual income, my wife cuts coupons and saves money. Why not? Cutting coupons does not make Ms. Howard a thief.
Some Dude wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:16 PM:
Correct on the Freeman comment. A more proffessional City Manager would have declined comment until he got all the facts. Not, "If it's true she's in big trouble." This is our knight in shining armor sent to us from a big city to show us how it's done. Plahh
Hey wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:31 PM:
The economy the republicans gave us MAKE people steal. Look for a lot more crime. People are getting desperate. Lock your doors. They can't keep us safe while they rape the world.
Curious wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:39 AM:
To Bayview:
What does the fact that she has been seen around town using coupons mean??? I know people who make three/four figure annual salaries use coupons, maybe that's why their rich...but I still don't understand your comment and how that fits into this story???
What does the fact that she has been seen around town using coupons mean??? I know people who make three/four figure annual salaries use coupons, maybe that's why their rich...but I still don't understand your comment and how that fits into this story???
Help wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:26 AM:
First of all , all the stores in the Bay area alway's keep an eye out for shoplifters, and there not a day that in the paper that many of these stores get a few, and what she did and her answer is used by many a shoplifters. and because she make more don't make it less. The World newspaper was not about the $12. by who she is and the job she does, If someone take from you an item $12-15. you be calling the Police to, Wal-Mart did what any store would do, shoper's need to be carefull, by the notes people left on this comments, there must be a LOT of shoplifters in this area???, It's to bad what happen, with her income,she need to keep in mine she worked for the City, & not do things that could have an outcome as of this.
Citizen wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:31 PM:
I was sick and did some shopping at Fred Meyer's in Coos Bay. As I left with a hand full of medications I had this anoying ringing in my ear. Oops! I forgot to pay for anything. The clerk was understanding and I didn't end up in the paper.
I think this story gets more legs from the fact that the average wage is so low. Add to that all the fixed income folks.
Likely the video tape will show her taking the item. Intent will have to be sorted out. What about all those folks eating and drinking items before they pay for them? This is laughable.
I think this story gets more legs from the fact that the average wage is so low. Add to that all the fixed income folks.
Likely the video tape will show her taking the item. Intent will have to be sorted out. What about all those folks eating and drinking items before they pay for them? This is laughable.
WOW wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:25 PM:
If she forgot to pay for some meat at the store, is this a person we want watching the tax payers money??? I am sorry mistakes can happen but that is why their are consequences. If I let my kids off with no big deal after tehy "FORGOT" they would never learn and this is a grown woman, I assume with degree.....
Not a coincidence wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:25 PM:
I don't believe this story is a coincidence. Doesn't anyone remember how this woman irritated the powers in the city government because she was trying to make the audit clean last year? Something is not right here. Hang in there Janell, and keep your lawyer on retainer.
Not Surprised wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:15 PM:
What is all the hype about, it is not a surprise to people who follow politics in the city. It was less then 2 years ago that she was caught altering the city ledgers and the city council wanted and investigation and oh, by the way your favorite city councilor, Muenchrath pushed to close the door on having a proper audit done. So maybe there is more to the story then what we know, and then you have city elected officials who did everything that could to sweep it under the carpet instead of having a proper audit, so good for Councilor Muenchrath for doing his job. Had it been dealt with 2 years ago, this would not be headline news now. Vote Muenchrath, he can don his Darth Vader outfit while the force is with him.
DP wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:08 PM:
The World newspaper should be ashamed of itself. First and foremost, this should have never been reported until you had a fair and balanced story. Second, if I want to read gossip and intentional slander, I will buy a copy of the National Enquirer. I hope that Mrs. Howard sues the World Newspaper and wins a settlement that will allow her to retire in comfort. Shame on the World and the management that allowed this to be reported before an investigation is done.
mom of wrote on Aug 28, 2008 5:02 PM:
I have walked out of Fred Meyers, Walmart and most recently Ross with items I did not pay for~on ACCIDENT!! Each time I returned them to the store. Once it was something as small as a bottle of nail polish...i drove all the way to the store to show my children what honesty is all about. Just to have the clerks etc stare at me like I was a four headed freak! Once my son tried on a hat and we went through the check-out and pass the "loss prevention" officer at the door! We made it 2 miles away untill my son made me aware of the situation, once again I turned around and went back!! This lady could very well be in the wrong...but don't crucify her in the court of "public OPINION" yet!! Good luck Ms. Howard I hope the truth is uncovered.
STEVE B wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:26 PM:
Thief is a crime. Just because she is a public employee people think she should get a break! Get real the lady makes 80,000 a year. No Ladies stealing is stealing. I'm sure good ol DA will not prosicute her. He's too busy with COMMON FOLKS
BayView wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:10 PM:
Most of the big stores do have video surveillance. Although WalMart is not my favorite place to shop I'm sure they would not bring charges without some good evidence against her for shoplifting. She is a person who is known for using coupons at a couple of grocery stores around town.It maybe hard to believe that someone making $80,000 would shoplift but there have been moviestars caught doing it in the past.Perhaps it's just for the thrill of it.
The newspaper is all about news. That's why they have printed this story. They did give her a chance to comment and she didn't.
The newspaper is all about news. That's why they have printed this story. They did give her a chance to comment and she didn't.
Greg wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:58 PM:
You have got to be kidding me! Does the World newspaper and the city hall hatchet person have anything better to do than to splash and ruin Ms. Howard's good name and reputation on the front page! Face the facts, this is not in her character.
Citizen Q wrote on Aug 28, 2008 3:53 PM:
Gee....there was a lady that worked for a senior living facility and she stole thousands of dollars from a senior, and she is in jail for 90 days, but there was never any story on her crime. And she did the crime. This poor lady, Ms. Howard, has already been convicted by the World Newspaper. How low can you stoop? Joyce is right, this town does have long memories and is short on forgiveness.
Wondering wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:37 PM:
I too believe someone should get the benefit of the doubt and presumed innocent until proven guilty and this incident should be no different. I too am human and have gone back in the store to pay for something that was accidently left at the bottom of my cart, however, the only thing about this story that I am wondering is....if it was an oversight on her part, why didn't they just ask her about it...if she's not guilty, then why bring in all of the security....either way, her reputation is permanently damaged and in this town, that can be life altering and something you just can't get past. Very sad.
Ironic wrote on Aug 28, 2008 2:19 PM:
To those claiming the World "convicted" her publicly without having the facts, read the article again. The article simply says this is what Walmart alleges, then information about the process that is occurring now and who is looking into it. I do not see any bias, or anything implying that she is guilty.
Second, I find it ironic that some are saying this is not newsworthy and shouldn't be printed or become public until the investigation is complete. These same people would be screaming bloody murder and freedom of the press, if this had somehow been kept silent, then revealed a month later when the investigation is complete. Then they would be screaming cover-up! Conspiracy!
Second, I find it ironic that some are saying this is not newsworthy and shouldn't be printed or become public until the investigation is complete. These same people would be screaming bloody murder and freedom of the press, if this had somehow been kept silent, then revealed a month later when the investigation is complete. Then they would be screaming cover-up! Conspiracy!
Concerned wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:20 AM:
I heard that Wal-Mart had over one hundred surveliance video cameras to catch such shoplifters, and, that they had this stealing incident on tape.
George wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:06 AM:
This county is bored for real news stories. Breaking news? What a joke.
It sounds like a mistake, we all make them. I'll wait until I hear all the facts before I jump to a conclusion. That is called being sensible.
It sounds like a mistake, we all make them. I'll wait until I hear all the facts before I jump to a conclusion. That is called being sensible.
Matt wrote on Aug 28, 2008 9:34 AM:
This is an unbelievably vindictive, sloppy, sensational attempt to report news before it is actually news. Yes, you may say "it is not known yet whether Howard took the item on purpose or by mistake"....but EVERYONE knows that most people don't read down that far. Your headline and first few paragraphs have done the damage, and what gives you the right to be Howard's judge, jury and executioner in the public eye? For twelve frickin dollars. Your pathetic attempt to advance your career as a journalist is going to be very costly to the city and the lives of the people involved. Nice work.
A guy wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:45 AM:
Allen asked, “how do you walk out of a store accidentally without paying for something?” I did it with a 35 quart Coleman cooler. Buying stuff with a friend at a sporting goods store, "only needed a cooler" so no cart. My friend had an armload, I had the cooler. I had been carrying it for at least ten minutes, stood in line, chatted with clerk, we paid for all the stuff my friend had, I was still holding the cooler. Walked past a security guard, still holding the cooler. Reached the car - then I realized I hadn't paid. Walked back in with the cooler, past the guard, to the clerk, apologized and paid for it. It happens! I would guess way more than 50% of mom’s who shop have forgotten to pay for something at one time or another – and that at least some of them made it right when they realized.
FYI - did the World say Ms. Howard walked out of the store? Bet she wasn't even outside yet!
FYI - did the World say Ms. Howard walked out of the store? Bet she wasn't even outside yet!
better things to do wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:30 AM:
Seriously ridiculous. The World Newspaper certainly is not #1 on my list. Get all the facts before you attempt to ruin someones career.
How hard would it have been to escort her to customer service to let her pay for the forgotten item. Wal Mart lost my business years ago - they are incompentent. Why have 30 cash registers with 3 checkers. Ms. Howard my thoughts are with you and your family.
How hard would it have been to escort her to customer service to let her pay for the forgotten item. Wal Mart lost my business years ago - they are incompentent. Why have 30 cash registers with 3 checkers. Ms. Howard my thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeez wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:23 AM:
Are you serious?!? I can't believe the world wasted their time and space on a $12 story.
HEY MIKE wrote on Aug 28, 2008 8:09 AM:
I believe the city gets audited already - so why would they need to go back and redo something that's already happened?
What I can't figure out is if it was an accident why she did not pay for the items and leave it be. That's where I'm confused, we all make mistakes and a store will often times let you fix them.
What I can't figure out is if it was an accident why she did not pay for the items and leave it be. That's where I'm confused, we all make mistakes and a store will often times let you fix them.
Reader wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:48 AM:
She might have over looked something in her cart, but then again, without knowing what the iteam was, we won't know. I think if she really did do this, then by all means, beacuse of her job with the city, FIRE her and charge her, then look into the books she handles for the City of Coos Bay for any minor charges. Hopefully it was just an honest mistake, with her annual salaray, I think she could afford 12.57, but then again, maybe she wasntd a thrill and if so she got busted. A survery will cost us tax payers money, which shuold come from her pocket, not outrs.
NB wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:41 AM:
Too bad WalMart isn't so quick to discover that they overcharged you on something that is supposed to be on sale, like has happened to me many many times at WalMart. If I don't write down the prices on the items I am buying, I get charged the regular price on items that are listed "ON SALE". When I point this out to the clerk and they find I am right, they say they will fix it. Then the next day I go back and buy the same item and it still rings up the regular price, NOT the sale price I had pointed out to them the day before. Another "on sale" scam the stores use. If you buy a lot of items you miss it being rang up the regular price.
allen wrote on Aug 28, 2008 12:16 AM:
How do "accidently" walk out of a store with something you didnt pay for????
local wrote on Aug 27, 2008 11:47 PM:
wow! everyone is making a big deal out of it . if it was another person we would have not known about it. please keep it quiet until u get all the facts before u write a book about it.
Carol Shaw wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:00 PM:
Give the woman a break, wait and see how the investigation ends. She wouldnt be the first person (including me, gasp!) who had something rolling around in her cart that was missed at the checkout when she got out to the car. It really could be something as small as that, we dont know as we were not there. Lets not be so quick to tarnish her reputation just yet, wait.
Barb wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:01 PM:
Please...You try shopping at Walmart with 3 or 4 hyped-up kids, while dodging scooters and clogged isles. How many times has Walmart forgetten to put the items you paid for in your cart and you had to drive back to get them. I'm too sure she intended to steal a $12 item. Put yourself in her shoes.
Joyce E wrote on Aug 27, 2008 6:40 PM:
Why isnt the investigation done first, and then the publicity, if she made a mistake why should she have a cast of suspession over her for the rest of her life! This town has long memories and is short on forgiveness!
Athena wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:54 PM:
Could this be a mistake? Many times when I have been busy, tired, etc. I have had an item in my hand and almost walked out without paying. Never intentional and was embarassed when I realized it.
The rest of you may be willing to convict this woman on a public post but I would rather look at this as a silly mistake unless I see proof otherwise. Why would someone who makes $80K a year not pay for a $12 item? It makes no sense.
If you really want to be upset with her, be upset that she is shopping in an anti-union, anti-employee establishment.
The rest of you may be willing to convict this woman on a public post but I would rather look at this as a silly mistake unless I see proof otherwise. Why would someone who makes $80K a year not pay for a $12 item? It makes no sense.
If you really want to be upset with her, be upset that she is shopping in an anti-union, anti-employee establishment.
presumed guilty wrote on Aug 27, 2008 5:38 PM:
I'm sure glad our court system isn't run by the World Newspaper. One item out of many....three kids...sounds like same kind of innocent oversight many people have committed. The same kind of people who return to the store immediately upon realizing their mistake and pay for the item. At least the Oregon State Police will do a real investigation. If proven not-guilty I doubt the World will have the guts to run their retraction on the front page.
Mike - auditing Ms. Howard's work won't cost the city an extra dime...it is done every single year!
Mike - auditing Ms. Howard's work won't cost the city an extra dime...it is done every single year!
JUST WONDERING..... wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:36 PM:
Would buying dinner and lunches for supervisors at the Police Department after meetings each month constitue stealing - if so you probably need to look into this - maybe Chief Craddock is not as great as he appears - something to think about
PS this is tax payers dollars at work - he does not pay for it out of his own pocket
PS this is tax payers dollars at work - he does not pay for it out of his own pocket
Observation wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:31 PM:
This never should have gone to press without Ms. Howards response. Shame on this newspaper for convicting her before knowing the whole story. There has to be more to it. No one is going to ruin their career over a $12 item.
UNFAIR wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:26 PM:
Why prosecute her for Theft III when no one else gets prosecuted? It is not equatable to let everyone else go! What is more important to Coos Bay PD than handling crimes anyway? Not enough staff? I disagree!
It does happen wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:07 PM:
Some people really do take things from stores accidentally. I consider myself an intelligent person, but it has happened to me twice--the first time was 20 years ago, the second time was just last yer. In both instances I realized I had left without paying for something and returned to the store. However, had I been followed out of the store by security, it is doubtful I would have been believed.
I don't know Ms. Howard, but I am giving her the benefit of the doubt. Remember, in this country we are innocent until proven guilty.
I don't know Ms. Howard, but I am giving her the benefit of the doubt. Remember, in this country we are innocent until proven guilty.
world reader wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:38 PM:
Is this a sign of the economic depression we're in? Is this what it's come to?
Pete wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:36 PM:
What if it was not intentional? Which, by the way, happens more often than Wal-Mart would like to admit (as it is much flashier to have someone arrested than it is to escort them to the register to pay for it).
Let's wait to hear what the investigation finds out before convicting her.
Let's wait to hear what the investigation finds out before convicting her.
... wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:18 PM:
Hummm, if you don't want to me accused of something then make sure you pay for your items before leaving the store!
c.b.businessman wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:15 PM:
It does make a citizen of Coos Bay wonder: If she can steal from Wal-Mart, can she steal public money from the City? Yeh, a real professional, and, an honest one at that.
concerned wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:09 PM:
Okay, so you printed this potentially life-altering story without knowing if it was an accident?
This reminds me of the old days with the old editor who would print stuff like this about people on the outs with the powers-that-be in the city of Coos Bay. Interesting.
This reminds me of the old days with the old editor who would print stuff like this about people on the outs with the powers-that-be in the city of Coos Bay. Interesting.
Samuel wrote on Aug 27, 2008 3:02 PM:
It is kind of hard for me to believe this is happening but when I lived there, I saw where some people have came in that store and taken things looking like they had no care in the world and just walk out and yet no one would see them, and now someone who works in city hall is getting accused of this! I kind of wonder if the employee who caught her does not have some sort of grudge! I guess we will all just have to wait and see how this ends...
Mike wrote on Aug 27, 2008 1:26 PM:
I wonder how much it will cost the city to do an audit of all of her work since 1998? $250,000? $300,000?
fred wrote on Aug 27, 2008 12:55 PM:
Ms. Howard is one of the professionals in city hall. Don't convict her in the paper. Thanks for the support Freeman.
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