Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Simone Fratisha Baker, 33, was arrested yesterday on allegations that she stole nearly $1,600 worth of fragrance testers from an Ulta store in September by concealing them in a baby stroller. She is also named in a sworn complaint connected to the alleged theft of more than $5,000 in merchandise from Kohl’s in August.
According to a Gainesville Police Department officer’s report, Baker entered the Ulta at Oaks Square, 6843 West Newberry Road, at about 6:38 p.m. on September 16. An employee noticed that a fragrance tester was missing and asked a colleague about it. The employee then reportedly observed Baker becoming nervous.
The employee said Baker acknowledged having the tester and returned four fragrance testers. A later review of surveillance footage allegedly showed that more testers had been taken. In the video, Baker was seen pushing a stroller with a child and placing merchandise behind the child. Police said nine testers were stolen, with a combined value of $1,595.
The officer said Baker allegedly targeted stores that sold fragrances, hid merchandise behind the child in the stroller, and purchased a low-cost item before leaving without paying for the other products.
The loss prevention officer also said Baker frequently purchased a small item “to throw the employees off.” The reported loss at Kohl’s totaled $5,088. Baker has not yet been booked on the grand theft charge related to that case.
ALSO READ: DHS Suspends Visa-Free Travel Program for Chinese Nationals Over Birth Tourism and Security Concerns
Police identified Baker by comparing surveillance footage with her identification photo. The Kohl’s loss prevention officer also told investigators that Baker had applied for a Kohl’s card.
The officer noted that Baker has a history of alleged retail theft and is wanted in Louisiana on a fraud charge.
Baker was charged with grand theft. Her record includes one nonviolent felony conviction and five nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. She is currently on probation for felony petit theft and remains subject to a sworn complaint related to the Kohl’s case. Judge Lua Lepianka set bail at $75,000.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
