A quiet suburban Walmart visit turned into a serious legal headache for a Georgia educator this week.
Courtney Janell Shaw, a 47-year-old assistant principal, is facing felony shoplifting charges after allegedly using a clever—but illegal—tactic to steal nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store.
The Alleged Crime
Authorities say Shaw employed what’s known as the “stacking” method at the self-checkout.
Over the course of two months, from November 1 to December 31, she reportedly placed multiple items on top of each other and scanned only one of them, walking out with 98 items totaling $943.97.
How She Was Caught
The scheme reportedly unraveled when a vigilant Walmart employee turned over surveillance footage showing Shaw in action.
Investigators quickly connected the dots using a driver’s license database, linking Shaw to the thefts.
By January 14, officers confirmed that the two cars seen speeding away from the store—a 2018 Ford F-150 and a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee—were registered to her, according to police reports.
Professional Consequences
The incident sent shockwaves through Shaw’s school community.
The Cherokee County School District placed her on administrative leave immediately after her arrest, emphasizing that student and staff safety remains the top priority.
A district spokesperson told Fox 5, “Inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated.”
Shaw has been part of the Free Home Elementary School team since 2024 and boasts over 20 years of experience in education.
Before arriving in Georgia, she taught multiple grade levels in Florida and was a fifth-grade teacher in North Carolina.
A Personal Side
On social media, Shaw portrays herself as a family-focused individual.
Her Facebook profile declares, “My family is my LIFE! I LOVE being a wife and mom!”
She is married and has one child, according to her school profile.
Shaw also previously served as an assistant principal at other schools in Georgia.
Legal Status
Shaw faces one felony count of shoplifting and was released on a $4,875 bond on the same day she was arrested.
As of now, a court date for the charge has not been announced.
Raising Questions
Her arrest has reignited debates over whether school staff should be held to higher moral standards outside of the classroom.
Many are asking how educators’ personal choices can affect their professional roles, especially when children’s safety and trust are involved.
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