New Mexico Dad Takes Baby & Girlfriend On Halloween Costume Heist

Seth McKelvy-Cothren allegedly used fake credit cards to buy bags full of pricey treats.

October 30, 2018

Seth McKelvy-Cothren [Albuquerque Police Department]; screenshot from video [KRQE]

By: Aaron Rasmussen

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A New Mexico man pulling tricks on a chain of Halloween costume shops got caught using fake credit and gift cards to buy bags full of costly outfits and decorations.

According to the Albuquerque Police Department, Seth McKelvy-Cothren hit the Spirit Halloween Store on October 24 and stocked up on $1,300 worth of goodies. He allegedly paid for his haul with a bogus card. After his successful shoplifting spree, he returned the following day and did it again, leaving the store with additional merchandise.

Cops claim McKelvy-Cothren then made his stealing a family affair.

The manager of a second Spirit Halloween location in the city told KRQE that McKelvy-Cothren and his girlfriend, Lona Armstrong, came to her store with their five-month-old son in tow this time.

They scooped up more items, and he handed over a credit card containing no name or numbers, arousing employees' suspicions.

"When we went to scan it, it actually didn't even scan or work,” said the unidentified manager. “He was like, ‘Well I know the credit card number,’ and we're like, ‘We can't do that.’"

But the manager could call the cops, who caught up with the family “down the road.”

“From what I heard, he had several different credit cards in his car,” noted the Halloween Spirit manager.

Police also searched Armstrong and found gift cards stuffed in her bra.

Both McKelvy-Cothren and Armstrong have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud and tampering with evidence. The father faces an additional charge of identity theft.

"This is merchandise that you don't need ,and it is a little pricey, so [thieves] do come in here and try to get away with $40 to $50 costumes a lot," said the store manager. "We're onto this and we do want it to stop."

Read more: KRQE

Next Up

How Did The Teen “Bling Ring” Manage To Rob Celebs Of Millions?

Seven LA teens and young adults were accused of robbing multiple celebrity homes in 2008 and 2009.

Woman Found Dead After Hosting Halloween Costume Party At Her Apartment

Whoever killed Arpana Jinaga doused her with motor oil and scrubbed her fingernails with toilet bowl cleaner.

Man Accused Of Murdering Grad Student In L.A. Furniture Store Indicted On New Charges

In January 2022, Shawn Laval Smith allegedly attacked 24-year-old Brianna Kupfer after he entered the business where she was working alone, police say.

West Mesa Murders: Serial Killer Who Slayed, Buried 11 Victims Remains Unidentified

“We need new information on this case, that is what is going to lead to it getting solved,” the city’s mayor says of whoever killed the girls and women.

New Trial Date Set For Accused Murderer Of 14-Year-Old Wendy Jerome

Back in 1984, a 14-year-old was murdered while walking to her friend’s house to deliver a birthday card. Now, after nearly 40 years, her alleged murderer was identified through DNA and faces trial.

Police Looking At Cold Case Murders Of 2 Teens After Kidnapping Of 9-Year-Old New York Girl

Detectives believe “there is a strong possibility” the two women’s deaths could trace back to one still-unidentified suspect.

New Jersey Teenager ‘Casually’ Slaughtered His Family During New Year’s Eve Party

“He killed them because he could,” the prosecutor said of Scott Kologi fatally shooting his parents, sister, and grandfather’s partner on Dec. 31, 2017.

Serial Killer Who Preyed On Women In New York City Area Admits To 5 Murders 50 Years Ago

Richard Cottingham became known as the Torso Killer because he often decapitated his victims and cut off their feet.

Have You Seen Pepita Redhair? Family Fears Navajo Woman Is A Human Trafficking Victim

27-year-old Pepita Redhair went missing from Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 24, 2020.

Man Tried To Use Stolen ID At Bar, Looked Nothing Like Victim: Cops

The suspect allegedly had the victim's wallet in his fanny pack; his mug shot has since gone viral.