Gaylesville Woman Charged With Felony Shoplifting At Rome Walmart

A Gaylesville, Alabama woman is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing merchandise from the Walmart in West Rome over multiple visits.

According to an arrest warrant, 32-year-old Brittany Ann Edwards, who was working as a third-party delivery driver at the time, is accused of failing to scan dozens of items while shopping inside the store.

Authorities say Edwards placed approximately 40 items in a cart without scanning them and then left the store. The incidents reportedly occurred on seven separate occasions between June 24 and July 14 of last year.

The total value of the merchandise exceeded $500.

Edwards has been charged with felony theft by shoplifting.

Rome Man Now Charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter After Burglary Confrontation

A Rome man who was originally arrested August 12 on a burglary charge is now facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. According to an arrest warrant, 52-year-old Anthony James Ponto was allegedly attempting to burglarize a home on East Hermitage Road in the Kingston area when he was confronted by 59-year-old John Richard Couey.

The warrant states a physical altercation occurred during the confrontation. After Ponto was arrested on the burglary charge, Couey reportedly suffered a medical event and later died. The new involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed in connection with the circumstances surrounding Couey’s death.