Janel Marie Sheppo, 47, of Saint Clair, has been charged by Saint Clair Police with felony retail theft, misdemeanor theft by deception, and misdemeanor receiving stolen property in connection with an incident that occurred June 7, 2026, at Walmart on Terry Rich Boulevard.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Saint Clair Police, an officer was dispatched to Walmart around 6:17 p.m. that day for a report of fraud.
Police said a Walmart manager reported that a customer had attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill. The woman had already left the store but had provided the name Janel Sheppo and a telephone number. Police said the officer reviewed a photograph provided by the store and identified Sheppo from previous incidents.
According to police, the $100 bill was marked "COPY MONEY" and "Not Legal Tender Play Money." Walmart later provided police with photographic and video evidence from the incident.
Police allege Sheppo first entered Walmart around 10:13 a.m. and selected merchandise before going to a self-checkout register. Investigators said she attempted to use the counterfeit $100 bill, but the register would not accept it.
According to the affidavit, Sheppo then left the self-checkout area with the bagged, unpaid merchandise and went to the women's apparel section.
Police allege she later went to the cosmetics area and again attempted to use the counterfeit bill to purchase merchandise. An employee reportedly recognized the bill as counterfeit and contacted a team lead, who also determined it was counterfeit before returning the bill to Sheppo.
At approximately 10:48 a.m., police allege Sheppo left Walmart with $21.33 worth of unpaid merchandise. Store personnel told investigators the merchandise was not recovered.
According to police, Sheppo returned to Walmart later that day at approximately 5:42 p.m.
The affidavit states that she went to a register and asked a cashier to check the balances of gift cards before proceeding to the electronics department, where police allege she again attempted to use the counterfeit $100 bill to make a purchase.
An electronics cashier recognized the bill as counterfeit and contacted management, according to police. Store management then contacted police.
Police said Sheppo subsequently returned to another register and purchased a pair of shorts using a gift card before leaving the store at approximately 6:09 p.m.
Court documents show the retail theft charge was graded as a third-degree felony. Sheppo is also charged with second-degree misdemeanor theft by deception and third-degree misdemeanor receiving stolen property. The criminal complaint was filed August 3.
The case remains active and is awaiting a preliminary hearing. Sheppo is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge Edward M. Lewis on September 29, 2026, at 9:15 a.m.