A couple caught shoplifting at a Lauderdale Lakes WalMart left their three young children in their car for several hours after they didn't tell deputies the kids were waiting for them, authorities said.
Gerald Moultrie and Tosheba Hope are facing grand theft and child neglect charges following their arrest Monday night, the Broward Sheriff's Office said.
Moultrie, 24, and Hope, 30, were being held on $1,000 bond early Tuesday, jail records showed. It was unknown if they have an attorney.
According to the BSO, the couple left their three young children - ages 2, 5 and 7 - in a parked car outside the WalMart at 3001 N. State Road 7 when they were arrested for theft around 7 p.m. But, the couple left out one key detail.
“They failed to tell the deputy that they had three young children waiting for them in the parking lot of Walmart,” said Gina Carter of the BSO.
Walmart employees eventually found the kids in the car. The children were said to be upset, but no physically injured. The children will be placed with caregivers, authorities said.
In bond court Tuesday, Tosheba told the judge that she is also currently pregnant. She was released on her own recognizance and BSO said in addition to the shoplifting charges, the couple will also face child neglect charges.
