LaPorte Woman Charged After Alleged Theft at Kohl’s, Oxycodone Found in Purse
A Laporte woman has been charged in Lake County after police say she attempted to steal nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise from Kohl’s and was later found with an oxycodone pill in her purse.
According to court documents, Linda Lou Eldred, 55, was taken into custody on August 30, 2025, after loss prevention officers at the Highland Kohl’s reported she pushed a cart loaded with unpaid merchandise through the doors and into the parking lot. Store security stopped her outside the store before police arrived .
Investigators said Eldred initially told officers she planned to steal the items “just because,” but then claimed she intended to sell them to pay her NIPSCO bill. Officers reported she gave inconsistent statements about who had driven her to the store .
The recovered merchandise included clothing, footwear, handbags, sterling silver, and other items with a combined value of $958.42. While processing her at the Highland Police Department, officers reported finding a single oxycodone pill loose in her purse without a prescription container .
Charges filed on August 31, 2025:
• Theft where value of property is between $750 and $50,000 (Level 6 Felony)
• Unlawful Possession or Use of a Legend Drug (Level 6 Felony)
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on August 30, 2025.
