Mason City woman caught stealing at grocery store

MASON CITY – A Mason City woman was arrested for stealing two bottles of vodka worth about $47 at a local grocery store Monday.

Mason City police were called to Hy-Vee West, located at 2400 4th Street SW at about 1:36 PM Monday after a report of a shoplifter. Officers arrived and after an investigation, arrested 44-year-old Christie Lee Smith on an unspecified theft charge (likely theft in the third degree due to past convictions). She allegedly attempted to steal two bottles of vodka worth about $47 total, police told NIT. She was jailed, processed and released pending a court date.

Smith has been charged with numerous crimes over the years, with many of the charges dismissed. Some of the charges involved the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine, felony theft, and more. She did plead guilty in July to enhanced third degree theft, a charge brought by Mason City police. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ordered to pay $431.25 in court costs and fees – a fine was dismissed.