Shopper Faces 15 Years for Cutting Walmart Checkout Line
Washington AFRO , News Report, Staff Report, Posted: Nov 02, 2009
(November 1, 2009) - A former college student faces up to 15 years in prison for allegedly cutting the line at a Walmart, and the NAACP and ACLU have stepped in to generate support for her case.
Heather Ellis, 24, is charged with two felony counts of assaulting a police officer, one count of disturbing the piece, and one count of resisting arrest in connection with a January 2007 incident at a Kennett, Mo. Walmart.
Pastor Jessie Bonner, president of the Sikeston, Mo. NAACP chapter, told the AFRO that Ellis, at the time a pre-med student, went to Walmart with her cousin. When checking out, he said the two had split between two lines intending to consolidate their purchases with the first person to reach a cashier.
Ellis’ cousin reached a cashier first and Ellis joined her in that line. Bonner said a White woman in line behind Ellis’ cousin said Ellis was cutting the line, and pushed her. The cashier called the store’s manager, who called police.
Bonner said Ellis and her cousin were able to check out, but said Ellis was taunted by police while leaving the store. He said one officer grabbed her shirt from behind and, when she jerked away, they shoved her down, banging her head in the course of making the arrest. Bonner said Ellis was harmed at the police department as well and made to wear a jail uniform that was previously soaked in urine.
Shortly after being processed at the police station, all the charges against her were dropped, Bonner said. But a few days later, the State’s Attorney called her and said the incident would go away if she would sign a document pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. She refused and shortly afterwards he filed the charges she now faces.
However, a police affidavit obtained by the Southeast Missourian newspaper tells a very different story. According to the affidavit, officers arriving on scene allowed Ellis to leave the store, but she became increasingly hostile toward them.
“I tried to convey to Heather Ellis, as best I could, that all she had to do was leave peacefully,” the affidavit states, according to the newspaper. “However, it was incredibly and abundantly obvious that [she] had absolutely no desire and/or intention of complying...” According to the affidavit, police attempted to arrest Ellis, who became combative and struck two officers before she was handcuffed.
A rally and march to support Ellis are planned for Nov. 16 at 11 a.m. The coalition is asking individuals to come to Kennett, Mo. to participate, or to write letters or hold rallies in support of Ellis at their local Walmart at the designated time.
“We are looking for something on line with what was done for the Jena Six,” Bonner said about the march. The group is also hoping to raise money at the event to help cover Ellis’ legal expenses.
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User Comments
Chris on Nov 20, 2009 at 23:12:05 said:
It's yes sir, no sir PERIOD when dealing with police. The Harvard professor learned the same lesson. She won't do any real jail time, but life just made her check her bs in at the front door. The NAACP just creates division in America when MLK fought so hard for unity.
Chris Johnson on Nov 20, 2009 at 18:55:01 said:
Whites are so wrong. Let a black lady cut. Especially if she gets loud.
Chris on Nov 20, 2009 at 18:54:30 said:
Its yes sir, no sir, PERIOD when dealing with police. She wont get any real jail time, but life just made her check her shit in at the front door. And a middle finger to the NAACP for provoking division in America, the opposite of what MLK fought for.
COCOBEANS on Nov 19, 2009 at 19:20:50 said:
I agree with laitana, We need to save our battles for REAL racism. Not this repeat offender that sounds to me like someone who thought they could get away with bad behavior. And the misleading headline is trying to make it work. I would have sympathy for her if she wasn't the one in the wrong here. It sounds like the police have the video tape from Walmart to prove it. Unfortunatley she is perpetuating the very sterotype that we are trying to diminish. Do we really want to sound the rally cry for those undeserving or save it for the the unjustly accused. The 15 years is a joke. She would only get 15 years if someone was mortally wounded in her resistance. From what I have read she struck a police office giving him a bloody lip and kicked another officer. She will probably get off light. But let us rally around the truly innocent not the guilty that give us a bad rep. Also knowing that they have a video tape she problably should have taken the deal.
Theresa Archey on Nov 18, 2009 at 18:12:52 said:
The press and the NAACP are covering up the truth here . They want to paint a pic of a sweet preachers daughter who has been treated bad by whites .
Look what I found on “sweet” Heather Renae Ellis. Check out just ONE page of her arrest record here !!
courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/charges.do
This is NOT the first time she’s been in trouble for being violent , it is NOT the first time she’s resisted arrest in that town .
She makes black people look bad , she makes the NAACP look bad ( and they don’t need help with that )She gets in trouble again and she plays the race card and every black in the country runs to her side . She has a history of this sort of thing . So why is the press not reporting that ??? Why is the press helping a criminal start a another race war ???
You can read the police report here:
cnnac360.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/police-report.pdf
Notice how many people are listed as \\\"witness/victim\\\"
What kills me is she started all this and in looking for a way to save her own butt she played the \\\"race card\\\" and caused it to snowball into a race issue thats spreading through the country.
laitana on Nov 18, 2009 at 06:04:27 said:
We need to save our battles for times when someone hasnt done anybody wrong and is just minding her own business like a regular person. Girlfrend was in the wrong but she still got that black woman attitude that is a clear stereotype which the whole nation is reading about thanks to her. I would have more sympathy for this young lady if someone had cut in front of HER but since she was in the wrong, the who tangle is her fault in the first place.
Then she got attitude with the other customer and then with the walmart workers who dont make enough to deal with HER acting a fool. I can jsust see the popo's looks on their faces when they roll up and see her.
Thanks for representing the rest of us, validating everthing whites think about us and makeing it harder for the rest of us to stand up for REAL equality.
ALSO she is looking at all this time because she wouldnt take a plea deal because she is STILL acting a fool
laitana on Nov 18, 2009 at 06:01:37 said:
We need to save our battles for REAL racism. I would have more sympathy for this young lady if someone had cut in front of HER but since she was in the wrong, the who tangle is her fault in the first place.
Then she got attitude with the other customer and then with the walmart workers who dont make enough to deal with HER acting a fool. I can jsust see the popo's looks on their faces when they roll up and see her.
Thanks for representing the rest of us, validating everthing whites think about us and makeing it harder for the rest of us to stand up for REAL equality.
ALSO she is looking at all this time because she wouldnt take a plea deal because she is STILL acting a fool
laitana on Nov 18, 2009 at 05:59:21 said:
We need to save our battles for REAL racism. I would have more sympathy for this young lady if someone had cut in front of HER but since she was in the wrong, the who tangle is her fault in the first place.
Then she got attitude with the other customer and then with the walmart workers who dont make enough to deal with HER acting a fool. I can jsust see the popo's looks on their faces when they roll up and see her.
Thanks for representing the rest of us, validating everthing whites think about us and makeing it harder for the rest of us to stand up for REAL equality.
ALSO she is looking at all this time because she wouldnt take a plea deal because she is STILL acting a fool
laitana on Nov 18, 2009 at 05:57:36 said:
We need to save our battles for REAL racism. I would have more sympathy for this young lady if someone had cut in front of HER but since she was in the wrong, the who tangle is her fault in the first place.
Then she got attitude with the other customer and then with the walmart workers who dont make enough to deal with HER acting a fool. I can jsust see the popo's looks on their faces when they roll up and see her.
Thanks for representing the rest of us, validating everthing whites think about us and makeing it harder for the rest of us to stand up for REAL equality.
ALSO she is looking at all this time because she wouldnt take a plea deal because she is STILL acting a fool
Juanita Phillips on Nov 17, 2009 at 18:01:39 said:
It is so sad to be accused as a Black person in America because one's race, economic class, gender or some other difference causes us to take sides with little regard for the facts. I have witnessed judicial injustices against my son, former NFL player Lawrence Phillips, that make it difficult to remain neutral when it comes to prosecutors, police officers and judges, many of whom allow their private biases to interfere with their constitutional obligations. Based on personal experience, I cannot help but declare that Blacks in America are easy targets for the various biases Americans are indocrinated into. We can hope that those who understand the pathology and ill-health within instituions such as America's justice systems will focus on changing things as best we can, and not be discouraged by the life experiences, prejudices and biases that cause some of us to deny that ALL of humanity and its systems are imperfect. www.lawrencephillips.info
william roddey on Nov 17, 2009 at 16:56:35 said:
It's 2009 if you believe Racism doesn't exist in America then please read all the comments about this situation! Is this incident worth anybody Blk/Wht to possibly face prison for 15 yrs! If you answered yes then you are the racist Blk/Wht that's dragging our society down. I'm sure there is a Video of the incident! There are drunk drivers who have killed, CEO's who have stolen, Parents who have abused their children and the max penalty wasn't 15yrs let's get real! Have her pay a fine and let's move on and address the real criminals that's making the streets unsafe!
Joe from Kennett, Mo on Nov 16, 2009 at 22:31:20 said:
Lillie to make you happy I\'ll explain a little bit more. I was in walmart one night a couple of years ago when I heard someone raising hell and was told someone was causing trouble because she cut in line and the cashier told her to go to the back of the line and that the police had been called. Since this doesn\'t happen often I assumed this was the incident. If you know of another please let me know. As far as the assault on the officers and the videotape I was quoting what was in the newspaper because from what I see here there is only one side being told. What\'s on the video I don\'t know and I didn\'t say I did but from the rumors that I heard you might want to watch it again.
laitana on Nov 16, 2009 at 18:04:42 said:
So if a white woman wants to get in front of me, as a black woman, I am supposed to let her?? I don't think so. And if I am going to butt in front of anyone, I don't care WHO it is, somebody better let me know.
Does anyone think a sister would EVER let another sister butt in front of her? Come on, let's be real. If I was at Walmart right now and I saw people get in different lines to save places in each line, I would keep my eye on them because guess what. WE ALL HAVE TO CHOOSE A LINE. If I choose the WRONG line guess what I have to deal. This young lady felt like she didn't have to wait her rightful turn and sghe got a attitude when the white woman told her it wasnt' going to happen. Well, the WHITE WOMAN WAS RIGHT! MISS MAAM was WRONG and then she acted a fool. and she's teaching people's children these values???:? Good thing it's not mine because if my child did what she did he would be in a world of hurt from ME.
Black Panther 1000 on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:29:47 said:
Dear Kennett, Mo. you really don't want to have that city burned down. I encourage the local government there to behave !
R. Muse on Nov 12, 2009 at 13:08:35 said:
WHERE IS THE VIDEO, BECAUSE IT WILL TELL THE STORY? PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT SHE IS FACING 15 YEARS FOR CUTTING IN LINE, BECAUSE SHE IS FACING 15 YEARS FOR ASSUALT AND RESISTING ARREST.
R. Muse on Nov 12, 2009 at 12:53:59 said:
WHERE IS THE VIDEO, BECAUSE IT WILL TELL THE STORY? PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT SHE IS FACING 15 YEARS FOR CUTTING IN LINE, BECAUSE SHE IS FACING 15 YEARS FOR ASSUALT AND RESISTING ARREST.
Cookie Fields on Nov 12, 2009 at 11:55:37 said:
hell you can kill someone and get less time than this...
Tory Reichner on Nov 12, 2009 at 08:57:06 said:
i dont care. she is not above the law. im glad shes going to jail. she cant just play the black card. im glad our police officers did whats right.
Lillie Blackman on Nov 11, 2009 at 13:23:53 said:
Joe, who was at Walmart at that time and know that there is another tape somewhere will you please let us know where, because the one we have received does not show anything. Thank you for informing us that first you were there and second there is a video. Hopefully this website can find out who you are and maybe just maybe you can be a witness that there is another video. Thanks Joe!!!
One Person on Nov 11, 2009 at 07:15:47 said:
I am a police detective and black and I have seen poor behavior from black, white and brown people. I have seen poor behavior by rich, middle class and poor of all races. I have seen some of the worst behavior from those who claim to be educated and well-to-do and I attribute that to some sense of entitlement. Unfortunately, many people listen what is erroneously reported in the media and believe the hype without getting the facts (video surveillance, eyewitnesses, etc...) Do not believe or disbelieve the young lady, the officers or eyewitnesses just because a news organization put it out there. Just like FOX and MSNBC, news media outlets historically skew the facts to further their agenda. Research for yourself and ignore those who wish to grandstand for their 15 minutes of television time.
Joe from Kennett, Mo on Nov 09, 2009 at 11:28:19 said:
I was there when this incident happened. No one was shoved this woman. She cut in line and the cashier asked to move to the end of the line and she refused and started raising nine kinds of hell. She was asked to leave by the cashier and management before the police were called. The police asked her to leave several times and finally told if she didn't leave she would be arrested at which time she threatened the officer. When he tried to handcuff her she started fighting with him and it took 3 officers to get her under control. There is videotape and it will be presented at her trail.
Sherril of Vancouver Washington on Nov 08, 2009 at 16:29:09 said:
I am appalled at this entire incident. Many times I have had to join my spouse or a friend in line at the check out counter. Maybe one of us went to get something else or maybe one of us was just browsing. I excuse myself--by saying I am with him/her. I am sure that race played a part in this because her skin color is mentioned over and over again. If this happened in 2007, then we are talking about a 21 year old college kid. The woman, regardless of her race, who did the shoving was wrong. She had no right to put her hands on this young lady. Call the police if you like, but keep your hands to yourself. Everything you need to know you should have learned in kindergarten. I used to be 21, albeit it was a while back. Life was fun and the world was our personal play ground. These girls were having fun and trying to get out the door with their purchases. Assaulting the police...didn't happen. If she was brass enough to assault someone, she would have assaulted the fool that shoved her. Come on now, let's not destroy this young woman's life before it get started. Society needs her!!! Finished college and a premed student. I don't care what her race, religion, color, creed or what side of the track she grew up on-- I am proud of her accomplishments. Maybe she did't go about this Walmart thing the right way but let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.
Jane Doe on Nov 07, 2009 at 19:40:10 said:
It's spelled Peace......Not piece.
Yeah, who cares!
lee on Nov 07, 2009 at 12:28:21 said:
Why is it okay for a black girl to cut in line??? This is so stupid I cannot believe this... She should go to jail for her overbearing and dangerous behavior. People ar fed up with arrogance. And now the NAACP wants to support her??? They are more pathetic than ever with their sense of entitlement.
Debbie2008 on Nov 07, 2009 at 08:34:18 said:
What a misleading headline: she's not facing 15 years for cutting in line, she's facing it for all the other stuff she did besides.
Mac on Nov 07, 2009 at 00:51:28 said:
It's ridiculous that this even happened. Someone cut in line...BFD. I've had people cut in line in front of me before and let them know exactly what I thought about it, but to bring it all this far...ridiculous. If the cops were going to question or arrest anyone, they should have questioned and arrested the white woman that physically assaulted (pushed) the black woman. I think they probably did not and that made the black woman angry with the cops, as most anyone would have been. From there, things just escalated. The cops are the ones at fault here. They should have just taken the verbal abuse, because they deserved it by not doing there job. I think the State's Attorney was afraid of a lawsuit and that is why they made the offer. It will be sad if the State gets away with this.
lisa white on Nov 06, 2009 at 15:05:55 said:
robert grow up and know the facts yes she cut the line because her cousin was in fron t and what about the kkk card had delivers by a officer what a joke this country is dammed becuase of people like you lol get over it and belive this she will not service one day in jail white people hate to see a stron educated black person wtf ps im a white female and im ashamed to be white in america because of people like you
Randy on Nov 04, 2009 at 10:19:37 said:
This is not a white/black thing so get over yourself.
Robert is correct, your headline is misleading as the issue at hand is assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct. Besides what moron would cut in line and not expect other people in line to have an issue with it.
kcus uoy on Nov 04, 2009 at 07:36:13 said:
I love how this "news" article states the maximum statutory possible sentence as if to say that everyone convicted of this crime receives this sentence. The actual sentencing guidelines tell a different story.
The defendant claims this, that, or the other thing, so what, let's see which story makes sense first. I've seen hundreds of "educated females" act like deranged idiots and resist arrest. Have fun on your little marches, you idiots. Go play with your nintendo some more too.
Stanford Flanagan (South Africa) on Nov 04, 2009 at 00:46:28 said:
Robert Williams refers to Ms Williams as the CRIMINAL. What audacity!!. Surely Walmart should have video footage of what transpired, or is it a case of the tapes being copied over, ot it being lost. What is it with this world. How long do caucasians believe will they be able to treat other racegroups like this. There is a saying " what goes round, comes round. In South Africa this is happening all the more. Many years ago farmworkers disappeared, never to be seen again. It was always said that they left to find employment in the city, but more often than not, they were killed by white farm owners as and when they saw fit to do it. Never to be brought to book. Today in South Africa elderly white farmers are being brutally killed, whose children ahve gone to study and stay in the BIG CITIES. I do not condone such barbaric acts, and never will. However, " what goes round, comes round". The western world has played it's part in spreading the gospel, but if only they live by the moral standards propagated by the gospel. To "Love thy neighbour as thyself", and this world of ours would be a much better place. Remember according to your gospel there is a day approaching, and we are 2009 years closer to it. Of which the bible says it will be a day of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Your judicial system can assist you in incarcerating, and even kill innocent people, but in that day it will be a total different story.
Robert Vigil on Nov 03, 2009 at 11:21:38 said:
Robert Williams, I just read your comment and I now know that you are a certified genuine 100% dookie head. Those charges are fraudulent. The police all across this country have always used "resisting arrest" and "assault" on a police officer to drag people of color into the criminal justice system. Unlike you, common sense tells me that there's no way that this intelligent, educated, African American female is going to pick a fight with 5 large male police officers. If that really were the truth, the prosecutor never would have offered the plea deal. The plea deal was revoked because Ms. Ellis told the prosecutor she was innocent of all allegations. I believe Ms. Ellis. I know of another case in CA wherein a very similiar situation, a Black person was dragged into the criminal justice system by Los Angeles County Sheriffs: fortunately for that person, the video shows that the sheriffs were unjustified in the arrest. This tactic of following a citizen, laying hands on them, under the color of authority, is happening all over this country especially if the person being accosted is African American or Latino. This nonsense needs to stop.
Robert Williams on Nov 02, 2009 at 20:23:40 said:
You have posted a fraudulent headline. The criminal you speak of isn't facing 15 years for cutting line--she's facing 15 years for 2 felony counts of assault on a police officer. Your rants or marches will not do her any good. People who assault our police officers go to jail--we demand it!
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