SHERIFF SELECTIVE ABOUT CRIMINALS HE PURSUES

My purse was stolen a few years ago. The thief took my credit card
and used it at gas stations and a Wal-Mart in Richland County to run
up more than $1,000 in charges.

When my credit card company informed me of this, I filed a report
with the Richland County Sheriff's Department. I also went to the
Wal-Mart to see if its loss-prevention department would tell me
anything. I was shown a copy of the credit card receipt signed by the
thief (who signed his name John Smith). I was also told that a
sheriff's deputy could obtain a copy of the surveillance tape showing
the thief making the purchase.

This evidence along with the surveillance tapes that could be
obtained from the area gas stations gave me a ray of hope that the
thief may be caught.

Upon returning with this news to the Sheriff's Department, I was told
someone would "look into it."

I never heard anything from Lott's office. Too bad it was not Michael
Phelps who stole my purse.

MELISSA BRYANT

West Columbia