LEWISTON, ID – A Lewiston woman has been charged with felony grand theft following an investigation into the reported theft of a cellphone from a local gym earlier this month.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Nez Perce County District Court, 18-year-old Cherity Ann Compton was arrested on Sunday.
Court documents state Lewiston Police responded February 2 to a report of a stolen iPhone 16 Pro Max at Planet Fitness. The victim told police her phone had been in the side pocket of her backpack while she was working out. She reportedly left the backpack near a bench and went into the restroom. While inside, her music disconnected from her headphones. When she returned, the phone was missing.
The affidavit states the phone was described as an iPhone 16 Pro Max valued at more than $1,000.
Investigators later obtained surveillance video from the gym. According to the affidavit, the footage showed two females standing near a workout bench where a black backpack was located. One female was seen dropping keys, picking them up, and then reaching into the side pocket of the backpack and removing a cellphone before placing it into her sweatshirt pocket. The individual’s sweatshirt reportedly had “CHER” printed on the back.
Court documents say police contacted gym management for assistance identifying the individual shown in the video and Compton, a member of the gym, was identified.
On February 22, an officer made contact with Compton at a Lewiston residence. The affidavit states she initially told police a friend had taken the phone. After being advised investigators had reviewed video footage, Compton allegedly admitted she took the phone, telling officers she needed money. She further told police she placed the phone into a kiosk at Walmart in exchange for cash, according to the affidavit.
Compton was arrested on suspicion of grand theft. Under Idaho law, theft is charged as a felony when the value of the property exceeds $1,000. Compton is expected to make her initial appearance in court on Monday afternoon.
