BEDFORD– A Bedford woman was arrested on Saturday, October 19, after she was allegedly caught stealing decorations and mail from a neighborhood residence. Jessica L. Norris, 37, of Bedford, faces charges of theft, a Class A misdemeanor, and criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor.
The Lawrence County Police Department received a call shortly after 1 p.m. reporting that Norris was attempting to take decorations from a home on Meridian Street. Witnesses described her driving away in a black Jeep. Additional reports surfaced as officers were en route about Norris taking mail from nearby mailboxes.
Upon arriving at Norris’s residence, Officer Kyle Long observed her outside with a significant amount of mail scattered on the driveway. Norris approached Officer Long and said, “Just take me to jail. I took this mail, and that is theft.” Officer Long instructed her to sit down and talk to de-escalate the situation.
However, during their interaction, Norris displayed erratic behavior and mood swings, prompting Officer Long to detain her for safety reasons. After obtaining her consent, Officer Long conducted a pat-down search and placed her in his patrol vehicle.
Officer Long documented the mail found on the ground while Deputy Thomas Porter arrived to assist. He read Norris her rights, but she declined to respond. According to Deputy Porter, the reporting party’s husband informed them that Norris had also damaged an American Eagle statue on their property, valued between $75 and $100.
Sergeant Robin Compton later arrived and attempted to read Norris her rights again. While investigating, officers noticed suspected stolen decorations in her vehicle. Norris claimed these items were taken from her grandmother’s grave. However, Sergeant Compton’s subsequent visit to the cemetery revealed no apparent theft.
Norris was ultimately transported to the Lawrence County Security Center, where she was booked on criminal mischief and theft charges. The mail in her possession was taken to the Bedford post office for redistribution to the rightful owners.
Norris declined those requests when asked if she wanted her residence secured or her vehicle windows rolled up before the officers left.
The Lawrence County Police Department continues to urge residents to report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods to help maintain community safety.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
