Woman accused of stealing $253 worth of Legos from Target store

PHOENIX - A woman is accused of stealing $253 worth of Lego toys while shopping at a Target store and authorities say her child was with her at the time.

Phoenix Police say on September 29th at 4:40 p.m., the suspect left the store located near 7th Street and Bell Road with the merchandise. Target's loss prevention team obtained the license plate number of the suspect's vehicle.

When authorities went to the home of the suspect, identified as Leigh Turner, they found her 8-year-old daughter at the residence with no adult supervision.

According to court paperwork, the 8-year-old told police her mother had gone shopping and left her home alone. Officers contacted Turner by phone and she returned to the residence. Turner stated that she left the child at home because she wasn't feeling well. The girl told police she didn't have a phone or a way to call 911 or her mother while she was alone.

Officials say Turner, 31, admitted to stealing the Legos after being advised of her Miranda rights, but could not tell them where the toys were located. Police say Turner later told officers she went to the Once Upon a Child store and sold the stolen toys for money. The owner of Once Upon a Child was contacted by police and confirmed the Legos were pawned for $60 in cash.

Turner was taken into custody and later released. She was charged with one count of shoplifting and one count of endanger life/health of a minor. A status conference and preliminary hearing will take place on October 14th and 20th.