In a shocking case out of Georgia, Courtney Shaw, a 47-year-old assistant principal, has been arrested and charged with felony shoplifting after allegedly stealing from a Woodstock Walmart nearly 100 times over a two-month span.
Shaw is accused of taking over $900 worth of merchandise between November 2 and December 31, 2025, from the Walmart located on Bells Ferry Road — about 30 miles north of Atlanta.
According to police reports obtained by WSB-TV, she reportedly shoplifted on 98 separate occasions, often using a method where she scanned one item while concealing another underneath it, placing both in her cart or bag before leaving the store without paying for the second item.
Authorities arrested Shaw on January 19, and she was booked into the Cherokee County Jail. She has since been released on a $5,000 bond, with her next court appearance scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Veteran Educator Now Under Investigation
Shaw currently serves as the assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School in Cumming, a position she’s held since 2024. With more than 20 years in education, Shaw previously spent eight years in the same role at Bascomb Elementary School.
The Cherokee County School District has confirmed she is now on administrative leave pending both internal review and the outcome of the criminal case.
In a statement shared with local media, the district said:
“Maintaining the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority and inappropriate conduct will never be tolerated.”
No information has been released regarding the specific items allegedly stolen or Shaw’s motive.
Community Response and Concerns
The arrest has sparked surprise and concern across the local school community, especially among parents and staff at Free Home Elementary. While no formal public comment has come from Shaw, many are waiting to see how the legal and school district proceedings unfold in the coming weeks.
If convicted, Shaw could face serious consequences — including the loss of her position, professional certifications, and potential jail time under Georgia’s felony theft laws.
