Boston Woman Allegedly Stole Wallet at Legacy Place

A pair of court appearances led to the arrest of a South Boston woman Tuesday in Dedham.

The woman, Melissa Hardy, 30 of South Boston, allegedly stole a wallet and used the credit cards for purchases on Friday and Legacy Place, along with other crimes associated with the alleged theft.

Officers reported that a woman told them her wallet was stolen from The Paper Store on Friday while she was distracted by her young son.

After gathering a description, police followed the trail of the suspect to Anthropologie and Williams and Sonoma, where Hardy allegedly attempted to buy more than $500 worth of merchandise. She was successful at Anthropologie, but declined at Williams and Sonoma, according to police reports.

Officer Richard Porro reported he went to Dedham District Court on Friday, where he said he saw Hardy in similar clothing described to him by witnesses.

After her court appearance to answer unrelated charges, Hardy was allowed to leave District Court, Porro said.

Hardy then returned to court on Tuesday for another court appearance, where Porro and Lt. Robert Nedder arrested her "without serious incident," the report said.

Police also believe Hardy attempted to sign-up for credit cards in the victim's name.

Hardy was picked out of a photo array by three of four witnesses at the Legacy Place stores, according to reports. Porro also wrote he viewed a copy of a woman with the victim's wallet at The Paper Store, and he believes the woman in the video was Hardy.

Hardy faces four charges, including larceny and credit card fraud.