Retail theft suspect, 29, tells deputies she’s 12 during arrest: Sonoma sheriff

(KRON) -- Two people were arrested for retail theft last week after nearly $3,000 of alcohol and beauty products were spotted in their car during a traffic stop, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced Thursday. During the stop, one of the suspects, a 29-year-old, allegedly gave a fake name and said she was born in 2012.

The traffic stop came after deputies saw the car with a headlight out and expired registration in the area of Highway 37 and Arnold Drive at around 10:25 p.m., the sheriff’s office said. After pulling the car over, deputies contacted the driver, Tawa Higgins, 36, of Pittsburg, and the passenger, Corenesha Brooks, 29, from Antioch.

Brooks initially identified herself to the authorities with a fake name and birthdate, suggesting that she was 12 years old, SCSO said. Deputies noticed that Brooks appeared older, and further investigation determined her true identity. It was also learned that the woman had an outstanding arrest warrant for $250,000 out of Contra Costa County on theft-related charges.

During the interaction, deputies saw a “large amount” of alcohol and beauty products in the car which the suspects could not provide receipts for, the sheriff’s office said. The merchandise totaled approximately $2,845. Authorities believe the items were stolen from “at least five locations” in Sonoma County.

Higgins and Brooks were arrested and booked into the Main Adult Detention Facility. Higgins faces charges of organized retail theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. Brooks faces the same charges plus the outstanding warrant and impersonating another to make liable.

Both were later released on a $30,000 bail.

SCSO Property Crimes detectives are providing follow-up investigations.