LYNN HAVEN — A former Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce president who resigned after accusations she stole two $5 candy bars has been arrested on grand theft and possession of controlled substance charges.
Beth Oltman, 49, resigned from her chamber post nearly two months after loss prevention officers at a Dillard’s confronted her, alleging she left the store without paying for two candy bars. A little more than two years later, Oltman faces felony charges after allegedly attempting to walk out of the Lynn Haven Wal-Mart on Sunday night with $530 in merchandise, according to Lynn Haven Police reports.
She then was charged with several counts of possessing controlled substances when officers found 34 various prescription pills in her purse, according to arrest records.
LHPD reported Oltman, of Lynn Haven, walked in the grocery side of the Wal-Mart, 2101 S. State 77, and took several recycle shopping bags near the entrance. She allegedly proceeded to fill the bags with $530 in merchandise before trying to walk out without paying, police reported.
While searching Oltman’s purse, officers found a round, tin pill case. Inside, police said the case held several prescription-only painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs, but Oltman did not have proof of prescriptions, police reported.
Oltman faced four counts of possessing controlled substances and grand theft during her first appearance Monday.
She never went to court after being charged with retail theft from September 2012. The case stemmed from Oltman allegedly leaving the Pier Park Dillard’s with one candy bar for which she had not paid. Police reports indicated she ate another candy bar that she didn’t pay for in the store. Each of the candy bars was valued at about $5.
Oltman, who was president of beach chamber at the time, called the incident “a misunderstanding,” and the charges were dropped by the State Attorney’s Office without her ever appearing in court. She resigned from the post two months later.
Attempts to contact Oltman on Monday were unsuccessful. Her bond was set at $5,500 on the new charges.