Tennessee Pair Caught With $2,500 in Stolen Walmart Merchandise Hidden Inside Car Seat Boxes, Police Say

A Tennessee pair accused of stealing more than $2,500 worth of merchandise from Walmart tried an unusual way of transporting their haul. Unfortunately for them, police discovered that two boxes meant to contain children’s car seats were actually stuffed with stolen goods, and that wasn’t the only thing officers found inside their vehicle.

According to the Covington Police Department, the investigation began on September 26, 2026, around 9:10 p.m., after officers noticed a vehicle parked in a handicapped parking space at Walmart. Officers also discovered that the vehicle’s license plate did not match the vehicle, prompting them to conduct a traffic stop near Highway 51 and Lanny Bridges.

Police identified the driver as 44-year-old Michael Jones of Memphis, Tennessee, and soon discovered another problem with his driving privileges. A check of his license revealed that it had been suspended 14 times for various traffic violations, making the parking violation only the beginning of his problems that evening.

Also inside the vehicle were 35-year-old Rachel Miller of Memphis and a 10-year-old child. As officers searched the vehicle, they discovered merchandise in a backpack, two suspiciously heavy car seat boxes, and suspected narcotics in separate containers.

Police Discover Car Seat Boxes Filled With Stolen Walmart Merchandise

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During the search, officers found an open pink, tan, and black backpack in the backseat containing merchandise for which the occupants could not provide a receipt. Among the items were a 10-pack of large tank tops, a large T-shirt, and a package of boxer briefs.

Officers then noticed a partially opened Evenflo car seat box positioned behind the driver’s seat, next to the 10-year-old passenger. When they attempted to remove it, the box felt considerably heavier than expected, and opening it revealed stolen Walmart merchandise rather than a car seat.

A second Evenflo car seat box in the trunk contained more stolen merchandise, confirming that the first discovery wasn’t an isolated surprise. Walmart Asset Protection subsequently identified 63 stolen items worth a combined $2,523.48, and police said Jones and Miller admitted to stealing the merchandise.

Suspected Fentanyl Found

The investigation continued when officers located a white tin container between the driver’s seat and center console containing approximately 0.3 grams of suspected fentanyl on tin foil and a clear straw. Miller also permitted officers to search her purse, where they found a digital scale, approximately 2.49 grams of suspected fentanyl, four methadone pills, several straws, and folded pieces of tin foil.

Police said the 10-year-old child had been present with the adults during the incident, prompting officers to notify the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services before releasing the child to a family member. Both Jones and Miller were charged with child abuse and neglect, theft of property valued over $1,000, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, while Jones also faced driving and registration-related charges and Miller faced an additional possession-with-intent charge.

Jones was held at the Tipton County Jail on a $30,000 bond and appeared before Judge M.O. Eckel III on October 1, while Miller was released on a $10,000 bond ahead of a scheduled November 3 court appearance. Covington Police Chief Donna Turner praised the officers’ work and said the department would continue cooperating with local businesses to address retail theft.