Local mug shot magazine helps law enforcement

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - The next time you stop in a convenience store, you may want to keep your eyes peeled for a new magazine paper. It's called Crime Times and a ticket behind bars can lead to a mug shot that will either have you embarrassed, laughing, or on guard.

Crime Times started popping up around stores in the Louisville area in February. It features mug shots, some that are pretty interesting. The paper costs $1 and is selling very well around town.

"It's a very popular item just for pure enjoyment," said JC's Cigarette Outlet clerk Audra Hatchell. "We have a lot of people come in on Monday they are waiting for the new one to come out."

"For the past month my daughter has bought em and I've bought em there has been someone in there every week that we've seen," said Tammy Wagner.

Mug shots of arrests ranging from DUI, shoplifting, drug possession, to assault and battery. A special section even features sex offenders. The paper takes serious offenses and adds its own humor.

"Have you looked at some of the faces in there," said Wagner.

Zavius King didn't hesitate to talk about Crime Times, he's dealt with it first hand.

"I ain't never heard of crime times until one of my friends brought it to me an said bro you are in Crime Times and I was like WHAAAT," said King. "I looked in there and there I was."

King said being in the paper's theft section a few weeks ago didn't embarrass him.

'The only thing embarrassing about it when you get the smile of the week," said King. "I think that's humiliation why are you smiling in jail."

What did your mug shot look like?", said reporter Maira Ansari. "Like a G," said King.

The publisher of the paper, who wanted to remain antonymous, tell WAVE 3 that Crime Times also helps law enforcement.

"With the help of the paper the Marshals service has captured almost 50 percent of what we put in the paper in the last 30 days," said Crime Times Publisher.

Tammy Wagner says it's about awareness.

"I work at Thornton's and it shows me I found two people in there that I know that I can watch out for when they comes into the store," said Wagner.

King said one picture was enough for him.

"My picture ain't ever going to be there again," said King. "That's something I never plan on doing again."

A new issue of Crime Times comes out every Monday and features arrests in Jefferson and Bullitt counties.

The mug shots are all public record and the suspects featured have not been convicted.

Copyright 2011 WAVE News. All rights reserved.