Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Former Idaho receiver Epps charged with petty theft

MOSCOW, Idaho – Dezmon Epps, who was dismissed from the Idaho football team on Sunday for a violation of team rules, was charged with misdemeanor petty theft after allegedly stealing $37.72 in groceries from WinCo Foods.

The former Idaho wide receiver pled not guilty on Monday in Latah County District Court and posted a $300 cash bond. He’s scheduled for a pretrial hearing on July 29. Epps was already on probation after pleading guilty and serving a one-day sentence for a driving under the influence in April.

Epps paid $9.04 for groceries Sunday afternoon at the WinCo supermarket in Moscow, located at 1700 W. Pullman Road, but also stole 10 items totaling $37.72 in value, according to a police report included in court documents. The stolen items included two bottles of Gatorade, sweet rolls, bacon, hash browns, butter, chicken and two packets of Life Savers candy.

Epps left the store and then returned after being contacted by WinCo’s loss prevention officer, according to a report filed by Moscow Police Officer Bruce Lovell. The loss prevention officer told Lovell that Epps admitted to him that he had stolen the items, and that he had shoplifted at WinCo in the past.

Epps, 21, later indicated to Lovell that the loss prevention officer’s account was accurate, according to the police report.

Epps provided police and WinCo with false ID information, according to Lovell’s report. The original ID he gave to both said he was Antoine Smith, a 22-year-old from Pullman. But after police weren’t able to confirm his identity, Epps gave Lovell his valid California driver’s license.

Epps complied after Lovell said he wouldn’t be charged with providing false information if he gave his correct ID.

The speedy 5-foot-10 senior led the Vandals in receiving last year with just under 1,000 yards on 79 catches. Epps was also the Vandals’ top punt returner and one of the team’s best kickoff returners.

Idaho coach Paul Petrino, in a statement released Sunday afternoon, said, “We have the highest standards and expectations for our players as student-athletes and citizens. We clearly outline the consequences when these expectations are not met.”