This has by far caused the greatest gossip this town (Albert Lea, 18,000 pop.) has ever seen. I'll let these news stories tell the story for you.
Star Tribune:
Albert Lea mayor, charged in clothes thefts, is sworn in
December 28, 2004 ALBERTLEA1228
ALBERT LEA, MINN. -- Mayor Jean Eaton, charged with theft in an alleged clothes-swapping scam, was sworn into office for a second term Monday.
She was sworn in at her home Monday morning rather than at the City Council meeting.
A criminal complaint in Olmsted County District Court alleges that Eaton, 53, stole more than $800 from Marshall Field's by buying new clothes and then using the price tags from those items to return used, even stained clothing.
Police said they had evidence that Eaton made 11 tag switches at the Marshall Field's stores in Edina, Rochester, St. Cloud and Minneapolis.
Eaton, who was arrested Dec. 2, has denied the charges.
Associated Press
Now I can officially say my mayor is more hardcore than your mayor!
I heard the city council meeting tonight on the radio and it made me sick. Eaton is/was a great mayor and never caused our city harm. People are just following the crowd and kicking her while she's down. I don't think it's right that she hasn't resigned yet, but I also don't think it's right for people to constantly critisize her for this one, but big, mistake. Her wrongdoings didn't affect the city whatsoever, but people are screaming bloody murder like she stole the clothing out of their very own houses. Oh well.
Star Tribune:
Albert Lea mayor, charged in clothes thefts, is sworn in
December 28, 2004 ALBERTLEA1228
ALBERT LEA, MINN. -- Mayor Jean Eaton, charged with theft in an alleged clothes-swapping scam, was sworn into office for a second term Monday.
She was sworn in at her home Monday morning rather than at the City Council meeting.
A criminal complaint in Olmsted County District Court alleges that Eaton, 53, stole more than $800 from Marshall Field's by buying new clothes and then using the price tags from those items to return used, even stained clothing.
Police said they had evidence that Eaton made 11 tag switches at the Marshall Field's stores in Edina, Rochester, St. Cloud and Minneapolis.
Eaton, who was arrested Dec. 2, has denied the charges.
Associated Press
Now I can officially say my mayor is more hardcore than your mayor!
I heard the city council meeting tonight on the radio and it made me sick. Eaton is/was a great mayor and never caused our city harm. People are just following the crowd and kicking her while she's down. I don't think it's right that she hasn't resigned yet, but I also don't think it's right for people to constantly critisize her for this one, but big, mistake. Her wrongdoings didn't affect the city whatsoever, but people are screaming bloody murder like she stole the clothing out of their very own houses. Oh well.
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