Michael McBride, a 53-year-old Chehalis man charged with residential burglary in August, was arrested Sunday after allegedly stealing over $450 in items from the local Walmart.
He was reportedly aided by 42-year-old Brandy F. Padgett, also of Chehalis.
McBride and Padgett made separate preliminary appearances in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday.
Padgett faces one count each of second-degree burglary, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines, and third-degree theft, a gross misdemeanor.
Though McBride was booked into the Lewis County Jail for third-degree theft, he is already facing two counts of residential burglary, one count of possession of burglary tools and one count of third-degree theft for an alleged failed burglary attempt in Winlock on Aug. 18.
Of the charges, residential burglary carries the greatest maximum punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 in fines.
McBride posted a $20,000 bail bond on Oct. 10 after he was arrested on a bench warrant for failing to appear at an omnibus hearing on Oct. 2.
According to court documents, McBride and Padgett attempted to steal the items from Walmart by using the Scan & Go option, which allows customers to check out using their smartphone.
“The scanned items totaled $100.83,” court documents state.
A Walmart employee provided a written statement indicating McBride and Padgett did not complete that transaction, and exited the store without scanning additional items in their cart.
They were approached by three Walmart employees outside, according to court documents.
When asked about the items, McBride and Padgett allegedly fled. The employee called dispatch.
“Once the shopping cart was recovered, the total value was $459.53,” court documents state.
Chehalis police found and detained the suspects. McBride, who was apparently shoeless, “admitted to stealing a pair of work boots, but stated he believed the store got them back,” according to court documents.
He also allegedly claimed he had purchased the items with his Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, but could not find the receipt.
According to court documents, Padgett was previously trespassed for life from Walmart, hence her second-degree burglary charge.
During her preliminary hearing, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello requested a bail amount of $10,000 cash or bond, citing previous felony convictions including possession of a stolen vehicle in 2023 and other property-related crimes.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller argued for $10,000 unsecured, saying Padgett was scheduled for bankruptcy court on Thursday and her home would be optioned if she did not appear. Tiller added that Padgett had an argument regarding “lack of knowledge” about the existing Walmart ban.
According to Tiller, Padgett resided in Chehalis and was involved in treatment at Destination Hope & Recovery.
Judge Paul Strophy agreed with Tiller’s request for $10,000 unsecured.
Padgett is scheduled for an arraignment on Nov. 20. Jacob Clark is assigned to represent her.
Because McBride had violated his conditions of release for the existing burglary case, Strophy set a new bail amount of $100,000 cash or bond.
An omnibus hearing for McBride’s burglary case was rescheduled for Nov. 13.
McBride is represented by Don Blair.
