The report states that Officer Amalfitano was dispatched to Wal-Mart shopping center. Upon his arrival he spoke with assistant manager David Bowner and employee Adam Smith. They reported that they saw a man enter a vehicle that did not belong to him.
The man, identified as James Edward Smotherman, age 39, of Kimble Driver, was questioned at Wal-Mart. Smotherman stated he was trying to close the door of the vehicle properly. He then reportedly changed his statement and said that he was picking up some red fuzzy dice beside the vehicle.
Officer Amalfitano advised Smotherman that the parking lot was video taped by security cameras. At that time, Smotherman admitted he had indeed broken into several vehicles and was then transported to the Lafayette Police Department for a formal statement.
During the formal statement, Smotherman implied that his wife, Jessica Hope Smotherman, age 24, also of Kimble Drive, had allegedly assisted him in the burglaries.
The stolen items, a set of fuzzy dice, a radar detector, sunglasses, 3qts of oil, 1 gallon windshield wiper fluid, a black spot light, and a blue cooler, were found in Smotherman's vehicle according to the report.
Jessica Hope Smotherman refused to give a statement to the Lafayette Police Department. She was charged with one count of theft under $500 and one count of auto burglary. Her bond was set at $1500.
James Edward Smotherman was charged with two counts of theft under $500 and two counts of auto burglary. His bond was set at $3000. Both made bond and are scheduled to appear in General Sessions court October 10.
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