Authorities looking for a pair of thieves caught on videotape

A Tulsa woman is desperate to find the people who stole her wallet. Her story is because the money that was taken was not hers, but belonged to her disabled uncle. <br><br>The thieves made one very big

Thursday, October 9th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Tulsa woman is desperate to find the people who stole her wallet. Her story is because the money that was taken was not hers, but belonged to her disabled uncle.

The thieves made one very big mistake; they didn't know their act of crime was caught on videotape. News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright has this exclusive story.

Tammi Hulsey and her husband recently took in her disabled uncle, caring for him and her three children is a handful and expensive. Tammi cashed her uncle's disability check last Friday in order to pay his bills. On the way, she and her girlfriend stopped by Big Lots to pick up a few things.

She set her wallet on the counter, paid and left. As soon as she got to her car, she realized she'd left it inside. "I'm going crazy trying to find it in my purse, in my car so, I went back inside and asked the clerk if she'd seen it. She said no, but said that couple were the only ones who had gone through the line."

As soon as she learned about the couple that'd gone before her, Tammi ran out into the parking lot and caught up with them and asked if they'd seen her wallet. They said no and simply got in their truck and left.

What that couple didn't know was their grand larceny was caught on videotape. You can see them eyeing Tammi's wallet on the counter, then they move into line and before you know it, the man has slipped the wallet into one of their bags, a tiny movement that had gigantic consequences. "Now, I'm working three jobs to make up for the money before we're evicted. We can't afford to buy groceries. We can't afford the stuff he needs."

Tammi hopes someone recognizes the couple and turns them in, not just because she might get paid back, but to teach them a lesson. "It's not even about the money, it's about decency. If it's not yours, don't take it."

If you do take it, don't be surprised if your face and your crime end up on the 10 o'clock news.

If you recognize the couple, you can call Tulsa County investigator Jeremy Yerton at 596-8672.