Elk City, OK – An Elk City Police investigation into reported theft and fraud at Walmart has led to the arrest of a Clinton woman on multiple felony charges.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Beckham County District Court, Blanca Flores Tovar, 47, was arrested after Walmart Asset Protection reported two female suspects involved in fraudulent activity at the Elk City Walmart located at 210 Regional Drive. The incidents reportedly occurred on November 11 and December 5, 2025.
Walmart employees told police the suspects were observed switching price tags from lower priced chicken products onto higher priced merchandise valued at less than $1,000. Investigators say the suspects also took items left behind by other customers, valued at $21.63, and caused additional product loss when improperly priced chicken was left unrefrigerated and spoiled, resulting in $83.22 in damages.
Images of the suspects were shared on the Elk City Police Department Facebook page on December 10 in an effort to identify them. Police say multiple tips from the public led to the identification of the two individuals, who were later confirmed to be a mother and daughter.
An interview was conducted on December 11, during which police identified the suspects as Blanca Flores Tovar and her 14 year old daughter. According to the affidavit, both admitted to switching price tags and acknowledged they knew their actions were wrong. They also admitted to taking another customer’s items and later returned those items to police.
During the investigation, police learned the pair operated a tamale business and were using an EBT SNAP card to purchase merchandise intended for business use. Both reportedly told investigators they were unaware EBT benefits cannot be used for business purchases. Tovar also admitted to committing similar theft activity at the Walmart in Weatherford.
Investigators allege Tovar involved her minor child in the theft activity, leading to a child neglect charge. Police also state the suspects used Walmart self checkout systems to carry out the alleged food stamp fraud and retail theft.
Tovar was arrested without incident and transported to the Beckham County Jail. She faces the following charges: organized retail theft, child neglect, food stamp fraud or unlawful use of an EBT card, using access to computers to violate Oklahoma statutes, and maliciously defacing property of another.
A Beckham County judge found probable cause for the arrest and set bond at $10,000.
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