Tiffany Small, 32, was charged for shoplifting Thursday evening from a Walmart.

Gainesville police arrested Gainesville Regional Utilities spokeswoman Tiffany Small on Thursday after they say she shoplifted from a Walmart Supercenter, records show.

Small, 32, has been with the city’s utility since 2007 and makes about $51,000 annually in her role as a senior communications specialist. She was recently a finalist for the open GPD public information officer position.

She is charged with petit retail theft. She was not handcuffed or taken to jail but was given a notice to appear in court.

The arrest report said Small was stopped by a store officer around 6:30 p.m. at the Walmart at 2900 SW 42nd St. The report said she placed 10 items valued at $158 in her purse, then went through self checkout and paid for some items, but not the merchandise in her purse. She refused to answer questions, the report said.

Small said Friday that she was with a family member who placed a few items — health products, clothing and a drink — into her purse without her knowledge. The family member had two felonies and would have been taken to jail, she said, so she took the fall. She said she offered to pay for the items after the fact but wasn't allowed. The report makes no mention of a second person.

"I'm just trying to protect a family member," Small said.

In 2008, Small was charged with forging a prescription but avoided prosecution by complying with terms set by the state attorney's office, court records show.