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Police officer, wife arrested for shoplifting

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By Cornelius Frolik, Staff Writer Updated 1:28 PM Monday, February 7, 2011

SUGARCREEK Twp. — A West Carrollton police officer, arrested with his wife for shoplifting DVDs and a Barbie doll activity kit from a Walmart, resigned from his job just hours after the incident on Friday.

West Carrollton Police Chief Rick Barnhart said he gave Officer Joseph Purnell two choices Friday night: go on unpaid administrative leave while they investigated the incident or resign. Barnhart said Purnell chose to resign.

Purnell, 40, and his wife, Ashley, 25, are accused of shoplifting between $75 or $80 worth of merchandise at the Walmart on Wilmington Pike, according to Sugarcreek Twp. police.

Joseph Purnell is accused of shoplifting three DVDs and one audio CD. Ashley Purnell is accused of taking the Barbie doll kit.

The couple were caught by store security employees leaving the store with DVDs, CD and Barbie toy, said Sugarcreek Police Sgt. Mark White.

The Purnells are each charged with two counts of first-degree misdemeanor theft.

Barnhart said Joseph Purnell worked as an officer for the West Carrollton police force for the past three years.

The couple were taken into custody along with their young daughter. They were transported to the police department, cited for misdemeanor theft and released on their own recognizance, White said.

The child was allowed to stay with her mother during processing, he said.