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Surveillance: Volusia Co. middle school asst. principal caught shoplifting

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Volusia County assistant principal was caught on surveillance video shoplifting several items from a Bealls department store, authorities said.

Investigators said Dianne Atkinson took the items from the store in Orange City on Friday.

A store official said Atkinson took $469 worth of merchandise. They said she was wearing a stolen bra.

In the video, Atkinson is seen taking a plastic bag with the store's logo out of her purse. In the video, she browsed for clothing and looked like a regular shopper, but the bag starts to fill up.

Police said she stuffed the bag with items to make look like she was returning them instead of stealing.

Atkinson most likely would have escaped, but when she walked out of the store, a loss prevention officer confronted her and escorted her back inside.

Atkinson is the assistant principal at Galaxy Middle School in Deltona.

School officials said they have not talked to Atkinson yet about the issue.

WFTV went to Atkinson's DeBary home, but no one answered the door.

According to Volusia County School, Atkinson makes $69,493 a year.

A police report states Atkinson said she was embarrassed and has a problem. Police took her to jail on charges of retail theft.

Atkinson started with Volusia County Schools in 1988. The school district would not comment on what she could face if the district decides to take disciplinary action.

Atkinson hasn't been fired from her job, but school district officials said they have opened their own investigation.