WATERVILLE — A man was arrested and his pregnant companion summoned Wednesday after police say the pair used a discarded store receipt to pull a scam at the store.

The couple was suspected of fishing store receipts out of trash receptacles and off the ground, then going into stores, picking up the exact items on the receipt, leaving with the merchandise, then later returning the items and asking for cash, according to Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey.

Justin Corson, 23, of 56 Waterville Road in Skowhegan, was arrested for theft by unauthorized taking or transfer, violating condition of release and operating after suspension.

Jessica Dudley, 19, of the same address, was summoned for theft by unauthorized taking or transfer and violating condition of release.

Massey said Walmart security contacted police at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday about a shoplifter at the Supercenter on Waterville Commons Drive.

When Waterville patrol officer Michael Sellar arrived, Corson had fled and left behind the pregnant Dudley and a young child, Massey said.

Waterville Walmart security had been alerted about the couple by Walmart personnel from Skowhegan.

Massey said Walmart security in Waterville saw Corson put shampoo, a DVD and other items totaling about $55 into the child’s diaper bag and leave the store.

When security stopped Corson and Dudley, Corson bolted, but he was soon caught by Waterville police on a trail near the store, Massey said.

According to Massey, surveillance video showed Corson and Dudley picking up a receipt off the ground before entering the Waterville store.

Massey encouraged shoppers to keep their receipts or shred them before tossing them away.

“It’s probably not a brand new scheme, but we haven’t seen it here in recent years,” said Massey.

Beth Staples — 861-9252

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