A woman who fought a drug store employee while trying to run from Stewart Pharmacy with stolen items has been given eight months in jail.
The woman, Amanda Mae Riley, 32, entered guilty pleas before Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to charges of initiating the process to manufacture meth, simple possession of meth, and misdemeanor theft. She was directed to serve 240 days of an eight-year sentence, perform 40 hours public service work, and must pay $2,000 plus court costs. She has been admitted into the 31st Judicial District Drug Court program, which is an intensive 18-month rehabilitation course directly overseen by the court.
Her sentence comes after she was seen placing items inside her jacket and purse as she was walking around the store. When asked about what she was doing, Riley claimed she had to go outside and get more money. At that point she made a break for the door and was chased into the parking lot by an employee. It was there Riley struck the employee, knocking off and breaking her glasses.
Police said during her run from the store she threw down her handbag.
“Out fell a syringe, a bottle with white substance that appeared to be a cold pill being broken down with lithium strips floating inside,” said officer Kenneth Seagraves in his warrant against Riley bringing about the manufacture of meth charge.
The officer said Riley also appeared unsteady on her feet and appeared to be impaired. He also said she admitted to snorting prescription medication.