CPPD captures $140,000+ Walmart theft suspect

COLLEGE PLACE – New details have been released by the College Place Police Department after officers responded Feb. 14 to a Walmart jewelry theft report. Security footage showed a suspect stealing nearly $400 worth of jewelry, driving away in a bluish-gray Chevy pickup. Walmart informed officers that this theft mirrored similar incidents across the Pacific Northwest, totaling over $100,000 in losses.

Police investigated, eventually locating the suspect vehicle on February 25th. Inside, they found Mistie Dawn Cooper, 45, of Redmond, Oregon, and drug paraphernalia. Security cameras showed the male suspect, identified as Nathanael James Young, 44, from Estacada, Oregon, attempting another jewelry theft at the same Walmart. He was arrested.

A search warrant executed on Young’s vehicle uncovered 21 grams of fentanyl, 1 gram of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, jewelry with Walmart tags, and burglary tools. Walmart’s investigation revealed Young’s alleged involvement in over $140,000 worth of jewelry thefts across Washington and Oregon.

Young was charged with organized retail theft, possession of burglary tools, drug possession with intent to deliver, and third-degree theft. Cooper faces charges of organized retail theft, drug possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The investigation is ongoing. Police Chief Troy Tomaras praised the officers’ work and the strong relationship with Walmart.

Photo via College Place Police Department

---

• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 

---