Stacey Ann Johnson, a Marietta woman and business owner, was arrested on a grand theft charge on Friday. The Marietta Police Department, with the help of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, conducted two search warrants that led to Johnson’s arrest on a fourth-degree felony charge of grand theft.
The warrants were served at Stacey’s Dance Studio, located at 205 Pike St., and at Johnson’s residence at 631 Sixth St. The arrest came after a group of parents approached an MPD detective on May 7, concerned about payments made for costumes and other fees for their children to participate in dance competitions in the spring of 2024.
Johnson had collected at least $10,695 from the parents, but in mid-April, she informed them that their children would not be performing at the competitions as promised. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Stacey’s Dance Studio had never registered for the 2024 competitions, despite collecting payments from the parents. Some parents received partial refunds, but many haven’t received anything back yet.
The MPD is urging anyone who may have been a victim of fraud or theft by Stacey’s Dance Studio to contact Detective A.J. Linscott at 740-376-2007 ext. 1319. For more breaking news and updates, subscribe to our newsletter.
