MERRITT ISLAND, Fla -- A woman was arrested for shoplifting and trafficking fentanyl on Tuesday. 

Brevard County Deputies responded to the Wal-Mart on 1500 Merritt Island Parkway in Merritt Island regarding a shoplifting.  When deputies arrived, loss prevention officers working for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. advised that 55-year-old Christine Bates had been concealing merchandise in her bag that was inside the shopping cart.  

She admitted to law enforcement that she concealed multiple clothing items inside her bag.  It was discovered that she stole $257.46 of merchandise without paying.

Upon additional search, deputies discovered a prescription pill bottle containing 95 various pills inside.  The pills were field tested positive for fentanyl.  Bates was charged with shoplifting and trafficking fentanyl. 

Upon running her background check deputies learned she had 2 prior convictions for retail theft out of Seminole County.