Mom Arrested for Stealing Money From Kids' Preschool

PETALUMA, CA -- A local woman was arrested Monday after allegedly stealing wallets belonging to teachers at the preschool her children attend.

Starrlynn Martin, a 32-year-old mother of two, allegedly stole at least four wallets from teachers at Stars Preschool, then went shopping with the cash and checks.

According to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, the string of thefts began on October 1 when one teacher noticed that her wallet was missing after leaving her purse in the classroom. She initially believed she has misplaced her wallet, but then saw transactions at Whole Foods and Lucky’s that she had not made.

Later that month, detectives say Martin stole two more wallets from teachers and used debit cards to purchase gas. But when she allegedly tried to buy cigarettes and beer at 7-Eleven and food at Steal Bear Deli, the cards were declined because they had been reported stolen.

One of the teachers at the school called Martin about the theft, but she denied having taken anything. But Martin was caught when surveillance cameras outside of Lucky’s and Steal Bear Deli showed her using the stolen cards.

Martin was arrested at her home Monday morning and confessed to having stolen the property. She has been charged with six counts of burglary, two counts of forgery, two counts of passing stolen checks, ID theft, attempted burglary, and attempted theft with a debit card and booked into Sonoma County Main Jail.