Crime & Safety
Coventry Woman Charged in Courthouse Purse Theft
Police said the 50-year-old sat next to an unattended purse on a bench and took it.
COVENTRY, RI—A 50-year-old Coventry woman has been charged for allegedly stealing a replica Michael Kors purse from a bench at the Kent County Courthouse last month.
The Rhode Island State Police arrested Lori Cote this week after an investigation beginning Dec. 16 when the victim called police to report that someone took her purse that she left on a bench while using a restroom.
Police released images of the suspect in an effort to get an identification; security cameras captured Cote sit next to the purse, take it and then leave the courthouse at around 9:30 a.m.
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The victim reported the missing purse with Capitol Police, telling officials that it contained a driver’s license, credit cards, a Forever 21 gift card, and gift cards from Dunkin’ Donuts, GameStop and Macy’s.
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