Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Two Jonesboro women are facing several charges after police said messages found on their phones detail plans to steal specific items for resale following a theft at the Jonesboro Kohl’s.
According to an affidavit, on Nov. 19, Jonesboro police officers were working a special shoplifting operation when they saw a vehicle pull into the Kohl’s parking lot with fictitious tags. An agent in an unmarked car watched two women walk inside the store, one of whom had a small child on her hip.
While inside, the staff watched the women grab a large amount of items and go into a fitting room. Shortly after, the women left with the child and made their way to their vehicle.
The agent noticed that the purse carried by one of the women seemed to be filled, where before it appeared empty. He was then notified that the women did not buy any items. The fitting rooms were checked and did not contain any items.
The affidavit said a traffic stop was attempted in the parking lot, but the vehicle sped up to leave. The driver stopped for officers after pulling onto Fairpark Boulevard. It was noted that both the driver, 24-year-old Ayaione Aliza Pickett, and the passenger, 27-year-old Azarreia Alexis Jackson, were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, the child in the back seat, who was later found to be three years old, was not buckled up or in a car seat. Both women were also on probation.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found all the items that were stolen in the back seat and two .40 caliber bullets in the trunk. Probation officers at the scene searched both women’s phones and found messages that appeared to be related to organizing the theft of certain items to sell them afterwards.
The affidavit noted that the license plate on the vehicle, which neither Pickett nor Jackson owned, was incorrect and was removed. The correct tag was inside the vehicle and had expired.
Both women appeared before District Judge Tommy Fowler on Nov. 21, who found probable cause to charge them each with unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate a certain crime, organize retail theft ranging from $1,001 to $5,000, and third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
As the driver of the vehicle, Pickett also faces several traffic-related charges, including child passenger protection (no child restraint), seat belt use required, driving while license is cancelled, suspended or revoked, and having fictitious tags.
Pickett is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash/surety bond. Jackson is being held on a $75,000 cash/surety bond.
Both women are scheduled to be back in court on Jan. 23, 2026.
