Boardman police make arrest after suspects allegedly use children to steal from Walmart

Boardman police arrested three women after allegedly trying to use children to steal from Walmart. 

On Thursday, Boardman police responded to the Walmart on Doral Drive because of a shoplifting call. 

Police say that when they arrived at the store, they saw three women walking around the store with three small children. 

The Walmart loss prevention unit identified the three women as 46-year-old Susanne Rodden, 27-year-old Jennifer Rodden, and 35-year-old Melissa Sue. 

According to the report, the women walked around the store, taking various items and concealing it in places like their purses or their pants. 

Police say that Jennifer Rodden and Mills had been removing tags from several shoes while concealing at least one pair on themselves. 

According to authorities, all three women were seen on camera removing tags off of children shoes and placing them on the feet of all three young children. 

When Susanne Rodden approached the front of the store, she was apprehended by police. When police searched her purse she allegedly had two packs of children's socks, a large 12-volt battery, a bottle of Mountain Dew and a bottle of orange juice. 

Police say that Jennifer Rodden and Mills took two of the children to the electronics department where they cut open the packaging to cell phones. The women allegedly used a razor that was obtained in the sporting goods section of the store. According to police, the women then went to the cell phone recycling kiosk and attempted to exchange the stolen cell phone for cash. 

While the women were attempting to use the kiosk, Boardman officers confronted them. 

According to authorities, Jennifer Rodden was very upset about officers trying to place her under arrest. Police say that Jennifer had to be taken to the ground by officers. 

Mills and Jennifer Rodden are accused of taking several items from the store, including soft drinks. 

Police say while searching Jennifer Rodden they found a couple of syringes. 

All three women were charged with endangering children and theft. Susanne Rodden and Melissa Mills were charged with criminal trespassing. 

Jennifer Rodden was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing official business and possessing drug abuse instrument.  

The children were placed in the custody of relatives after the women were arrested.