July 16, 2008
SAN DIEGO, Calif.
Melissa Frank
Jean-Yvette Gautier, Actress, Accused of Grand Larceny
Renowned actress Jean-Yvette Gautier has been accused of grand larceny for shoplifting $3000 worth of clothing on July 12, 2008. Last evening in La Jolla, she allegedly attempted to steal a dress, two bracelets, a scarf, and a pair of shoes from Sandra Almeida’s Roupa Rosa boutique.
Although there was no security camera to prove Gautier’s guilt, Almeida decided to press charges. If convicted, this will be Gautier’s first offense. She could face up to five years in prison for her alleged actions.
Lt. Casey arrived on the scene at 6:15 p.m. She found both women in heated argument, tugging on both ends of Gautier’s purse with clothing sprung across the floor. Casey noted that “no evidence pointed to [Gautier’s] guilt or innocence”, because there were no witnesses.
Gautier had arrived at the store at 5:45 p.m., after finishing lunch with a cast member of her new movie, “The Convict”. She claimed that she had arrived at the store merely to window shop, but asked Almeida to lock the door to shield her from fans. After asking Almeida to find her a pair of shoes in the back of the store, Gautier allegedly shoved the merchandise in her purse and ran towards the door.
At a UCSD press conference in response to questions about calling the police, Almeida claimed, flustered, that she had indeed called. Although there is no conclusive evidence one way or another, Almeida noted, “She’s just not telling the truth. She just has some need to steal stuff.” In response, Gautier exclaimed, “She framed me! She saw me walking down the street and said, ‘Wow, movie star.’ “ La Jolla residents will have to wait until justice is served.
