A Lancaster woman with a history of theft was sent to state prison this week for using her children to steal items from a local Wal-Mart.

Heather L. DeFreitas will serve 2 to 5 years in state prison for what was at least her third retail-theft conviction, making the latest crime a felony.

On March 5, 2014, DeFreitas allegedly spent more than six hours, with her three children, inside Wal-Mart in East Lampeter Township. During that time, DeFreitas stashed numerous items into multiple shopping carts.

She also stashed items in purses.

She had one of her children push a cart full of items past a register line and out the store.

Store security stopped the family in the parking lot.

DeFreitas, 42, pleaded guilty to retail theft, corruption of minors, and a summary charge of driving on a DUI-related suspended license. It was at least her fourth DUI-related suspension charge.

Her criminal history includes convictions of DUI, theft, and provide false reports to police.
She’s had more than a dozen parole/probation violations over the years.

Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson prosecuted the recent case.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us