police arrest jar theft suspect

A female was arrested Friday in Sevier County on charges related to taking donation money from stores in Sevierville.

The Sevierville Police Department was searching for a theft suspected in several apparent thefts of donation jars from area locations. The most recent alleged theft occurred on November 7, 2007 at the Shell Mart, 324 West Main Street.

As a result of a joint investigation by the Sevierville Police Department (SPD) and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD), police have arrested 22-year old Katrina S. Kinzle of Knoxville on criminal impersonation and misdemeanor theft charges. Authorities allege that Kinzle took money from several donation jars at different locations in Sevierville and Sevier County, including Miles Market and the Shell Mart on West Main Street. The amount of money allegedly stolen has not yet been determined.

Police received numerous telephone calls with information on the suspect, after her photo was released yesterday, November 15, 2007 and the public’s help in identifying her was requested.

SPD and SCSD detectives were able to positively identify Kinzle as the suspect earlier today. She was subsequently arrested in Knoxville and transported to the Sevier County Jail for booking.

The SPD and SCSD express their gratitude to the media and public for their assistance in identifying the suspect.