W.Va. police say Lowe's clerk thought way to man's heart was through discounted merchandise

Associated Press

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 7:19 PM

NITRO, W.Va. - A former home improvement store clerk in West Virginia has been charged with discounting $20,000 worth of merchandise to win a man's heart. Nitro police arrested 20-year-old Katie Lynn Smith Thursday on a fraudulent schemes charge. She had worked at Lowe's.

A criminal complaint in county court says a security video shows Smith selling the man a pressure washer worth several hundred dollars for $3.66. That's the price of an 80-pound bag of concrete.

The complaint says Smith admitted incorrectly ringing up nearly $20,000 worth of merchandise in four months for "a male she desired as a boyfriend."

Smith's phone number isn't listed and police spokesman Ray Blake says she doesn't have an attorney yet.

Police couldn't say whether the scheme helped her romantic prospects.

Recent Nation stories

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,364 Friday, according to Associated Press count - November 12, 2009

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,364 Friday, according to Associated Press count - As of Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at least 4,364 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. More