San Marcos Couple In Big Trouble from Dr. Phil Appearance

San Diego 6

SAN DIEGO - A San Marcos couple who said on the "Dr. Phil" show last year that they were professional shoplifters pleaded not guilty Monday to conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines.

Matthew Allen Eaton, 34, and Laura Renee Eaton, 26, told Dr. Phil McGraw on his nationally syndicated show that they made about $100,000 per year by shoplifting.

They were arrested Friday at their home on Leslie Court.

A federal indictment unsealed Monday alleges the Eatons stole merchandise, primarily toys, and then transported the shoplifted merchandise to their residence in San Marcos.

The Eatons then allegedly sold the stolen merchandise via the Internet to customers in and out of California, with Matthew Eaton falsely stating that the goods had been obtained from legitimate sources.

According to the indictment, as of March 26, the Eatons were storing more than 500 boxes of stolen toys at their residence.

The couple appeared on the Dr. Phil show last November, and a federal search warrant was served at their home four months later.

U.S. Magistrate Ruben Brooks set bail today for Matthew Eaton at $35,000 and $25,000 for his wife.

A status conference was set for Sept. 17 and a motions hearing for Oct. 19.

LINK TO DR. PHIL SHOW:

http://www.drphil.com/slideshows/slideshow/4784/?id=4784&showID=1171