Woman Arrested in Cobb Co. School Theft

COBB COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) - Just hours after Cobb County school police released images of a woman they said used stolen credit at a local ATM, they said they got a big break in the case.

"I'd say within an hour and a half once the media aired it," said Cobb County school resource officer Randy Rogers. "As I look at the pictures I recognize it as being Theresa Owens."

Oakwood police detective Danny Stridej immediately recognized the woman in the photos as Teresa Lynn Owens.

Owens has been charged with carrying out similar crimes at two elementary schools in Oakwood earlier this year. Investigators said if Owens was approached by building officials she would claim to be a parent.

"She would always walk into a elementary school while the teacher is out the classroom she would go through their purse and take their wallet," said Detective Stridej.

Police said in each case the suspect's MO was the same. According to police the suspect would steal cards from area elementary schools then go to area shopping centers and use them immediately.

Detective Stridej said the 44-year-old Owens stole credit cards from an employee at Marantha Christian Academy in February and Oakwood Elementary School in March.

Owens was arrested at a Home Depot store in Flowery Branch in March and charged in the Oakwood case.

Authorities said Owens was out of jail on bond in April when she allegedly entered the Skyview Elementary School in Cobb County.