BEDFORD — A Harrodsburg woman is facing a theft charge following an incident at the Bedford Walmart late last month, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer A. Manke.
Jeanalei Matos, 50, was detained by store security on August 28, 2026, after attempting to leave the building with unpaid merchandise.
According to police reports, Officer Manke was dispatched to the 3200 John Williams Boulevard Walmart at approximately 5:34 p.m. on August 28 following a report of a theft. Upon arrival, the officer met with Walmart Asset Protection Officer Scott Carpenter in the security office.
Store surveillance and asset protection statements revealed that Matos and a male companion, later identified as her son, had been observed selecting merchandise while continuously looking around. According to staff, the pair ditched some selected items in the hardware section when they spotted security, but Matos ultimately proceeded past all points of sale toward the general merchandise exit without paying.
Security footage showed Matos standing near a checkout line looking at her phone before walking past the registers and heading out the doors, where she was intercepted by asset protection employees. All merchandise was successfully recovered before Matos made it out of the store.
When initially questioned by police, Matos claimed she had come to the store alone and that she walked past the registers because she received a phone call and moved out of the way of other customers. She maintained that she intended to go back and pay and expressed willingness to pay for the items on the spot.
When pressed about her companion, Matos initially denied anyone was with her multiple times before finally admitting that her son had accompanied her. She stated that he had already left the premises with her keys before security could stop him.
Store records noted that Matos had a previous theft-related incident at another Walmart location approximately two years prior.
After reviewing formal video footage, itemized lists, and statements submitted by Walmart on September 4, 2026, Officer Manke filed the probable cause affidavit requesting that an arrest warrant and standard bond be issued for Matos on a charge of theft. Matos was also issued and signed an official trespass notification barring her from returning to Walmart.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
