Woman Caught Using Stolen Credit Card at Multiple Missoula Stores

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On or about December 31, 2025, John Doe reported the theft of his credit card from his home mailbox located in the 1200 block of Lincoln Court. A Missoula Police Department Officer utilized Target and Albertsons store surveillance video to identify 39-year-old Theresa Smith as the person who utilized the card without Doe’s permission. Smith used Doe’s card to make the following purchases:  

• HowlgateCanyon Carwash - $2.50  
• Target - $1,228.99
• Albertson’s - $227.17
• DominosPizza - $32.98  

The total fraudulent purchases listed above amounted to $1,491.64. Smith attempted an additional purchase at Target for a total amount of $438.34. A Target security officer advised that she was watching Smith while she was “shopping” due to suspicious circumstances. Smith was observed shopping in a nonchalant and quick manner, raising suspicion on the part of the security officer.  

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The security officer learned from another employee that Smith’s transaction was declined during her second attempt to acquire $483.34 worth of merchandise. Smith was told that her cart would be held for 24 hours.  Smith stated that she would be back the next day. 

On January 2, 2026, officers spotted Smith’s Range Rover in the vicinity of Johnston Street and Mount Avene. Officers initiated a traffic stop and contacted Smith. Officers utilized a surveillance photograph to determine that Smith matched the suspect. 

Smith admitted to officers at the time of the traffic stop that she had an active arrest warrant out of Ravalli County. Under Miranda, Smith initially denied using the stolen credit card. She eventually acknowledged that she indeed was the subject who made the fraudulent card charges. Officers obtained a search warrant for Smith’s vehicle and located these items of evidence: 

• Walmart gift card
• Four Olive Garden Gift Cards
• Target Receipt for Apple iPad and Logitech
• White earphones (2ndgen) with charging case
• iPad Pro (11-inch)
• Basics organizer pack
• Blue medical mask
• Plastic Target bag

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Officers located credit cards and other personal information that is believed to have been stolen from additional victims. In the trunk, officers located a small black Remington zipper bag that was near the car supplies. Inside the bag, there were multiple clear glass pipes that had white and burnt residue. Along with the pipes, officers found multiple syringes and empty small clear baggies with white residue. There was also a small sandwich bag that had a white crystal substance that appeared to be methamphetamine. 

Smith was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with two counts of felony burglary, four counts of deceptive practices, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.