Assistant School Principal Courtney Janell Shaw accused of shoplifting from Walmart

CANTON, Ga. — A Cherokee County elementary school assistant principal was placed on administrative leave after being charged in a shoplifting investigation at a local Walmart, authorities said.

Courtney Janell Shaw, 47, of Cherokee County, was taken into custody Jan. 19 following a months-long probe into multiple thefts at the store, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege Shaw repeatedly stole merchandise at the Walmart between Nov. 2 and Dec. 31, 2025.

Sheriff’s reports indicate Shaw used a self-checkout “stacking” method — placing multiple items together while scanning only one before leaving the store. The total value of the allegedly stolen merchandise was about $944, authorities said. Deputies identified Shaw using surveillance footage and a driver’s license database and confirmed the two vehicles seen in the video were registered to her.

Shaw, who has served as assistant principal at Free Home Elementary School since 2024 and has worked in education for 24 years, was charged with felony shoplifting. She was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and later released after posting bond, sheriff’s officials said.

The Cherokee County School District confirmed in a statement that Shaw has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of internal and law enforcement investigations. The district said maintaining a safe environment for students and staff is a priority and that inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated.

It was not immediately clear when Shaw is scheduled to appear in court.