UNION CITY, GA – A local mother, Kenya Butler, 28, has been taken into police custody after being accused of instructing her young daughter to steal an unattended purse in a restaurant. The incident, which took place on March 2 at The Juicy Crab in Newnan, was caught on surveillance camera, leading to Butler’s arrest.
Butler is seen on the video footage instructing her 7-year-old child to remove a purse from a booth. The Newnan Police Department was able to identify Butler as the primary suspect after the incident was reported in the media, according to Det. Taylor Dalton.
Charges against Butler include contributing to the delinquency of a minor and theft by taking, both of which are misdemeanors. The 7-year-old involved in the incident is not facing any charges.
The video footage also showed the young girl reaching over to seize the unattended purse from a booth at the restaurant. Following the theft, Butler and her group swiftly exited the restaurant, leaving behind an unpaid bill that exceeded $500.
Newnan police are also keen to speak with a man who they believe is responsible for the unpaid bill. The man, who was wearing a white shirt with the phrase “Fake love, rich sex” and has tattoos on both arms, is yet to be identified.
Butler was arrested on March 13 and was able to post her $2,300 bail the same day. Her court dates have not been scheduled. The Juicy Crab has not provided a comment regarding the incident.