Pair arrested for stealing more than 70 items from three stores

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – De’akka C. Hall, 29, of Gainesville, and Da’sha Jernigan, 21, of Palatka, were arrested last night and charged with three felony counts of organized retail theft after allegedly stealing more than 70 items from three Gainesville stores.

The pair allegedly stole over 30 items from Burlington Coat Factory worth more than $750, over 30 items from Marshalls worth more than $750, and more than 10 items from Old Navy worth over $300.

An anonymous caller reported the thefts from Burlington and described the vehicle as a small silver minivan. The vehicle was stopped by a Gainesville Police Department officer for speeding, and officers spoke with both occupants of the vehicle.

Post Miranda, Hall reportedly admitted to stealing from all three stores and could not provide an estimate of how much she had taken. She reportedly said Jernigan had been with her the whole time and had been driving.

Post Miranda, Jernigan reportedly admitted to stealing from Burlington and said she did it because she was “going through hard times.”

The officers reported finding more than 70 items in the vehicle from the three stores, all with their tags attached.

Surveillance video at Burlington reportedly showed both women stealing items from the store.

Hall has two Putnam County convictions for driving without a valid license and one arrest for cocaine possession, but the drug charges were later dropped. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set her bail at $12,500.

Jernigan has no criminal history in Alachua or Putnam Counties; she was released on her own recognizance.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.