Woman who stole from Macon stores, fled after removing ankle monitor sentenced to 15 years

Charlyn Worthyn pleaded guilty to stealing from several Macon retailers and cutting off her ankle monitor while out on bond. She will serve the first five years of her sentence in custody.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Macon woman who stole from several retail stores and later cut off her ankle monitor while out on bond has been sentenced to 15 years, with the first five years to serve in custody.

Charlyn Worthyn pleaded guilty Friday, October 30, in Bibb County Superior Court to multiple counts of theft by shoplifting and a charge related to cutting off her ankle monitor, according to the Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

Worthyn must also pay restitution to the ankle monitor vendor and is prohibited from entering any of the stores where she committed the thefts.

Shoplifting incidents began in 2023

According to prosecutors, Worthyn began stealing from multiple Macon retailers in 2023.

The stores included Bath & Body Works, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Spirit Halloween.

Worthyn was later released on bond while her case moved through the court system.

However, prosecutors say she cut off her ankle monitor and evaded law enforcement until she was captured.

She remained in custody from the time of her capture until she entered her guilty plea.

Judge also revokes probation

In addition to the 15-year sentence, the court fully revoked Worthyn’s probation, requiring her to serve the remaining balance in custody.

The district attorney’s office did not specify how much time remained on her probation or how that time will be served in relation to her new sentence.

Worthyn was also ordered to pay restitution to the ankle monitor vendor and stay out of the retailers where she had stolen merchandise.

District attorney addresses retail theft and bond violations

Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard said retail theft affects businesses, employees and consumers.

“Retail theft is not a victimless crime. It drives up prices for every family in Macon and puts store employees in difficult situations,” Howard said.

Howard also addressed Worthyn’s decision to remove her ankle monitor while awaiting trial.

“Ms. Worthyn was given the chance to remain free on bond while her case moved forward, and she chose to cut off her monitor and run. That choice has consequences,” Howard said.

“When someone is released on bond, the Court and this community are trusting them to follow the rules, and our office will hold accountable anyone who breaks that trust.”

According to a news release, Assistant Deputy Chief Jeremy B. Johnson and Assistant District Attorney Franklin Patterson prosecuted the case.