Webb City woman with 15 convictions for stealing, shoplifting, charged with stealing $314 worth of alcohol

A Webb City woman with a long history of stealing and shoplifting convictions and a recent arrest for driving while intoxicated, is facing a felony stealing charge in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Heidi Jo Marbut (DOB 1981) allegedly stole $314.18 worth of alcohol December 6 from a Carthage business, normally too small of an amount for a felony charge, but she is charged for having four or more stealing offenses in the past 10 years with the emphasis on more.

According to the probable cause statement, Marbut has pleaded guilty to either shoplifting or stealing 15 times in the past six years.

From the probable cause statement:

On 12/06/2024, Carthage Police Officers responded to a past tense theft that occurred at a local business in the 400- BLK of W Centennial Ave, Carthage, Jasper County, Missouri. 

The on-duty management for the business advised that a white female appearing to be 45-55 years of age had stolen $314.18 (after tax) worth in a alcohol before fleeing the scene in a black passenger car.

After reviewing the video footage of the incident, the suspect, later identified as Heidi Marbut, was observed to remove the merchandise from the shelf and hold it on the opposite side of her body from the front counter where the staff was located. 

Marbut is seen glancing at staff multiple times while taking the bottles of a alcohol. Marbut is then seen exiting the building without making an attempt to purchase the merchandise. Marbut is seen fleeing the scene in a black 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage bearing Missouri license plate NG3K5P. 

Officers were able to confirm that the registered female owner of the vehicle was not the suspect and checked department history at the registered address and located Marbut's information, which matched the age range of the suspect. 

After comparing Marbut's driver's license photo and social media profile pictures to the video surveillance footage, officers were able to confirm Marbut as the suspect. Marbut is currently on probation/parole for stealing. 

Four days before the alleged theft, the Joplin Police Department arrested Marbut for driving while intoxicated. The next hearing in that case is scheduled for February 11 in Joplin Municipal Court.