Sarai Nazario bragged about her shoplifting exploits and used the hashtag #boosterlivesmatter on her Facebook page, a probation officer said.
SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield woman placed on probation after a strip club disturbance is facing new charges for allegedly pepper spraying a security guard at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside.
Sarai Nazario, 19, allegedly sprayed the guard in the mouth after being caught shoplifting at Macy's earlier this month, probation officer Jenifer Muscaro said Wednesday in Springfield District Court.
The guard suffered a severe allergic reaction and needed an epinephrine injection on the way to the hospital, according to Muscaro, who said Nazario escaped with the stolen merchandise.
She asked Judge John Payne to find probable cause that Nazario had violated her probation in the strip club case and detain her for a full violation hearing.
"She has shown a blatant disregard" for probation, Muscaro said.
In addition to missing appointments and flunking a drug test, Nazario bragged about her shoplifting exploits on Facebook, using the hashtag #boosterlivesmatter -- a reference to professional shoplifters who resell items at reduced value, the probation officer said.
In April, Nazario was charged with disorderly conduct and drug possession after allegedly fighting outside the Center Stage Gentlemen's Club. While being booked, cocaine was found in her bra, according to the arrest report.
"I'm no snitch, but that's coke," she allegedly told police.
The charges were continued without a finding and Nazario was placed on probation for one year, with drug testing and other requirements.
On Wednesday, defense lawyer Patrick Goodreau said his client is two months pregnant and was startled by the security guard.
"This plainclothes person came up and grabbed her very hard," said Goodreau, who said Nazario denies shoplifting and assaulting the guard and could be the victim of mistaken identity.
Nazario, unaware that a warrant had been issued for her arrest, showed up Wednesday for her regular probation appointment, said Goodreau, who urged the judge to not detain her until the proposed probation hearing.
Payne found probable cause that Nazario had violated her probation, but refused to detain her for a violation hearing on Dec. 12. Instead of releasing her, the judge ordered court officials to transport Nazario to Holyoke District Court to face her new case.
"These are very serious charges," Payne said, noting that the guard suffered a medical emergency after being sprayed.
