Michigan City Woman Charged in Multiple Kohl’s Sephora Theft Incidents Totaling Over $4,000
Hobart- Lavonta Latriece Steward, 48, of Michigan City, has been charged in connection with multiple theft incidents at the Kohl’s store at 1601 Southlake Mall Drive, with court filings indicating a combined loss of more than $4,000.
According to court documents, store security footage and loss-prevention reports showed a woman entering the store on three separate dates — August 7, August 21, and September 3, 2024 — and taking Sephora merchandise without paying. The incidents were later tied to Steward after investigators compared store images to a booking photo.
• August 7, 2024 — The woman entered alone, concealed numerous Sephora items in bags, and exited to a large silver SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe. Loss was estimated at $1,449.
• August 21, 2024 — The woman concealed items in the front of her pants and left, where a man waited outside in an older vehicle. Estimated loss was $2,257.
• September 3, 2024 — The woman concealed fragrances and cosmetics in her clothing and got into a white pickup truck on the passenger side. Items listed included six “Dylan Turquoise,” six “Born in Roma,” and two “Huda Blondie Easy Bake,” with a reported loss of $478.
Charges Filed September 4, 2025
• Theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000 — Level 6 Felony
• Theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000 — Level 6 Felony
• Theft with a prior conviction — Level 6 Felony
• Theft — Class A Misdemeanor
Steward was lodged in the Lake County Jail on October 17, 2025.
