An investigation by the Franklinton Police Department led to the arrest of two former Hibbett Sports employees for theft, according to Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown.

Brown said that on Wednesday, FPD Sgt. Steve Lang and Pfc. Justin Stogner responded to the Hibbett Sporting Goods store, located at 1140 Washington Street in Franklinton, in reference to a theft complaint totaling approximately $23,146. The complaint included 212 pairs of shoes, along with various other Hibbett merchandise.

Brown said that subsequent to the initial complaint that was filed by the Loss Prevention section of Hibbett Sports, officers detained Jenna Cosse, 25, who was attempting to leave the area. Cosse was the manager at Hibbett Sports and had been employed with the business for approximately one year, Brown said.

Also detained during the investigation was Elizabeth Reedy, 25, also an employee of Hibbett for approximately four months.

“Reedy was located inside a vehicle in the business parking lot and was initially unresponsive to the officer’s presence,” Brown said. “Officers detected the strong odor of marijuana from the vehicle, and upon initial contact, Reedy appeared to be under the influence and was found to be in illegal possession of narcotics.”

Both suspects were transported to the FPD. Detective Sgt. Chad Dorsett and Detective Sgt. James Folks, assisted by the patrol officers, conducted the investigation and interviews that led to the arrests of Cosse and Reedy.

“Detectives were able to conclude, through evidence and suspect admission, that the two employees were engaged in a narcotics-for-merchandise exchange, as well as trading merchandise for cash which was kept,” Brown said.

Cosse was arrested and charged with felony theft between $5,000 and $25,000, felony possession of legend drug, felony possession of Schedule III narcotics, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, two counts of felony possession of Schedule II narcotics and four counts of felony possession Schedule IV narcotics.

Reedy was arrested and charged with principal to felony theft between $5,000 and $25,000, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, felony possession of Schedule II narcotics and felony possession of Schedule IV narcotics.

Brown praised the work of his officers and their expedient response to the case. He also added that the use and distribution of illegal narcotics within the town of Franklinton is an ongoing battle his officers face every day — a battle they are committed to fighting.

“There are so many families affected by addiction and unfortunately, this addiction typically results in arrest or death,” Brown said. “In this case, these two young women will have a difficult road ahead of them. However, they will also have an opportunity to seek out treatment, should they choose it.

“In either case, the Franklinton Police Department will uphold the law by protecting the lives, property and safety of our residents and business owners. If you violate the law, you will be held accountable.”