LOS ANGELES – Surveillance footage shows that a clerk smiled and held the door open for Lindsay Lohan when she walked out of a jewelry store that later accused her of stealing a $2,500 necklace.
"Entertainment Tonight" aired the footage Wednesday, a day before the actress returns to court to announce whether she intends to accept a plea deal in the felony grand theft case that includes a guaranteed jail sentence.
The clerk did not attempt to stop the "Mean Girls" star and did not appear to raise any issues with the actress as she left the store in January. The store later reported the necklace stolen and police obtained a search warrant for the starlet's home, but the item was turned over to detectives before the search was conducted.
"Entertainment Tonight" has since Monday shown portions of surveillance footage showing Lohan inside Kamofie & Co. A commercial images division of The Associated Press obtained the video and licensed it exclusively to "Entertainment Tonight."
Lohan has pleaded not guilty to grand theft, which is the most serious charge the actress has faced. She was on probation for a 2007 drunken driving case and had been released from rehab for roughly three weeks when she visited the store near her Venice home.
In other portions of the video, Lohan is seen texting and trying on two other necklaces. She wore the necklace for roughly 25 minutes before leaving Kamofie, according to the video.
The store's owners announced Wednesday that they will auction the necklace and donate the proceeds to an unspecified charity after Lohan's case is resolved.
"We have already publicly released the videotape which speaks for itself and accurately records the incident, and we believe the next step toward achieving closure is to donate the now-famous jewelry to charity," store owners Sofia and Geoff Kaman said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
They did not say which charity may receive the proceeds, but are seeking suggestions on a website set up to possibly stream the video online at a later date, http://www.necklacevideo.com.
The necklace is evidence in the case against Lohan and remains in the custody of authorities. Kamofie spokesman Christopher Spencer said the auction will not take place until after the theft case is resolved.
Lohan could accept a plea deal Thursday, or choose to fight the theft case which would trigger another hearing where more evidence against her would be presented. After that hearing, the judge could determine Lohan violated her probation and sentence her to jail while she awaits trial on the theft case.
Also see: Lindsay Lohan Pictures
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Watch the Lindsay Lohan surveillance video below:
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