EDITORS’ NOTE: This version was updated to remove the names of the three co-suspects involved in the case.
The theft of a Sony camera, lens, 4 HP all-in-one computers and more stolen items from the Murray State Art Department, Bookstore and the Murray Walmart involved several University students. One of them attempted to frame an innocent student and is currently serving a felony sentence.
Bethanie Bailey, a former studio art major, was charged with shoplifting over $10,000 – under $100,000 and theft by unlawful taking over $1,000 – under $10,000 over the course of the 2024 fall semester.
Bailey and others were accused of stealing a total of $13,069 from Aug. 20 to Oct. 26, 2024.
When the art department reported the theft of the Sony camera on Oct. 28, Bailey’s name was given as a potential suspect, as she was recently fired from being a student worker for “unrelated reasons.”
In Mehlbauer’s affidavit, while codes to the equipment’s locked storage area had been changed, Bailey was seen inside by another student, and later was seen having possession of the camera.
According to the affidavit, Bailey and another student were taking pictures on campus and later noticed that a camera was missing from the storage, but did not report it. Later, one of the other accused members told another student that Bailey was stealing “multiple carts full of items from the local Walmart.”
“This information and statements were corroborated from Walmart Loss Prevention personnel who were able to provide me with camera footage for four separate days, which show a female subject (that) matches Bethanie Bailey’s description and that of (the three other suspects) and leaving the store with shopping carts full of items which were not paid for,” Mehlbauer wrote. “This was also corroborated by MSU Bookstore staff who were able to confirm multiple losses by their business consistent with those items seized and surrendered.”
A search warrant for property stolen tallied up to 123 items. The co-suspects surrendered the items.
On Oct. 29, Bailey was brought in for questioning and asked if she had the stolen camera in her possession. She stated she didn’t, but knew its location, saying a graphic communications major had the camera.
In the affidavit, the art department states Bailey had not requested to borrow the aforementioned camera, nor did she have authorization.
“Bailey states she removed the camera for a (GCM student), so that he could borrow (it),” Mehlbauer wrote. “Bailey initially stated she had no knowledge of the Sony cameras being in the locker until she was told about them by (him).”
Mehlbaur’s affidavit continues saying (the GCM student) was brought in and was asked about the camera. In his written statement, he had no knowledge of borrowing a camera or lens from anyone and said he had not had any contact with Bailey outside of saying hello in the hallway and when she texted him unusually.
“Text messages indicate (GCM student) had no knowledge of borrowing a Sony camera and show Bethanie Bailey asking (GCM student) to lie to police about having the stolen camera,” Mehlbauer wrote.
In court, Bailey pleaded guilty to her charges, and in a defense motion to reduce her bond, she is autistic, someone who suffers from PTSD, ADHD and “a variety of other mental health concerns, which make it easy to manipulate her.”
“Defendant is a pliable young lady who has fallen in with people who have held sway over her and have manipulated her to allegedly commit offences which she would not otherwise ever consider,” the defense motion read.
Since March 17, 2025, Bailey currently serves a pretrial diversion, a program that places her under supervision rather than traditionally convicting her, for five years.
Nicole Hand-Bryant, dean of Fine Arts and Humanities, said the security of the department’s facilities remains a priority since Bailey’s theft.
“The department is committed to keeping the equipment and facilities secure,” Bryant said. “The department continues to enforce and review safety protocols so students can access the resources that support their learning. The department takes security seriously.”
