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Orangeville couple charged with shoplifting
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MONROE - An Orangeville couple is charged with shoplifting paint in Monroe, apparently part of an effort to make their home "look nice" for government social workers.

Stephanie Ann Cowell and Neil Patrick Husom, both 24, each face a Class A misdemeanor charge of retail theft in Green County Circuit Court.

Cowell's initial appearance is Sept. 14. A warrant is out for Husom's arrest.

On July 30, the couple allegedly shoplifted four one-gallon cans of mixed paint, a paint tray and roller combo, two cans of putty and two putty knives with a total value of $68.73 from Wal-Mart, 300 6th Ave. West.

Cowell told investigating officers she and Husom had just moved and were broke. She said they planned to use the paint and supplies to improve their new home because they were worried about the state taking away their newborn and Cowell's two other children, ages 2 and 4.

"I wanted the place to look nice so when the state came in I wasn't going to lose my kids," she said, according to court records.

- Katjusa Cisar