WHEELERSBURG — An employee at Lowe’s on Ohio River Road has been charged with theft after authorities say she allowed people to steal merchandise from the store in exchange for money.

Charged is Lori Patterson, 40, of 22nd Street in Portsmouth.

According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Patterson was involved in thefts that occurred on four occasions, starting Aug. 10, allowing two brothers identified only and Joey and Craig to purchase a roll of paper towels and walk out with a welder and a circular saw valued at $600. And on Aug. 15, allowing the pair to purchase a bottle of soda and walk out without paying for some DeWalt tools, valued at $300. She reportedly told investigators she was paid $230 for allowing the two to steal the items.

The report says she allowed a woman to walk out with a $100 rug, and Patterson reportedly told authorities she took cash from her register two times — once Aug. 20 and again Aug. 22, totaling $230.

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232, or flewis@heartlandpublications.com.