Athens grandma Alma Brightwell uses grandkids to steal from Walmart

Athens police arrested a woman after she allegedly told her grandchildren to shoplift from a Walmart.

Investigators say the three kids, as young as 4-years-old, were coached on what items to grab.

Police charged Alma Brightwell, 47, with theft by shoplifting Tuesday at the Walmart on Lexington Road. She is also banned from all Walmart properties for two years.

According to police, Walmart Loss Prevention witnessed Brightwell telling the children to fill stolen backpacks with more stolen goods. The children are ages 4, 7 and 8-years-old.

Investigators tell reporters the merchandise was concealed in an attempt to leave without paying.

According to an incident report provided by police, Brightwell told investigators she was actually trying to stop the kids from putting items in the bags, but they wouldn't listen

Brightwell is being held on a $1,500 bond. Police say after she was taken into custody, her three grandchildren were tued over to her boyfriend at her request.