Arrested woman tells cops: People just give me the money
By Erin Guerra Post-Tribune correspondent January 16, 2013 1:56PM
Shakyra Smith. | Provided photo~Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 19, 2013 2:04PM
CHESTERTON — An unemployed Illinois woman found with a large amount of cash and electronics told police she is blessed; “It’s not drug money, people just give me money.”
She was arrested for possession of two grams of marijuana, while police seized $7,850.30 cash, numerous debit and gift cards, two iPads, a Wii game system and other high-end electronics that, according to the arrest report, police believe are used to launder drug money.
Shakyra Smith, 18, of Romeoville, drew police attention by passing a squad car on the right at about 10:10 p.m. Monday on the Indiana 49 Bypass, at Calumet Avenue.
Police said it appeared Smith bought a number of Paypal debit cards at Walgreens and put $500 on each, then used the cards to buy high-dollar items at Target stores in Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Mishawaka. She returned the purchases on the same day for cash back or Target gift cards.
