Elizabeth Lauten, the Republican staffer who last week criticized President Barack Obama's daughters and said they were "in those awful teen years," was arrested as a teenager.
Lauten, 31, who has since
resigned from her job as communications director for Tennessee Rep. Stephen Fincher, was caught shoplifting at a North Carolina mall when she was 17, reports
The Smoking Gun.
The website report, which cites court records, says Lauten committed larceny at a Belk department store in a mall. A district court processed her case, and after she met certain conditions the charge was dismissed.
Sasha and Malia Obama appeared with the president at a ceremony last week that saw two turkeys — Mac and Cheese — receive Thanksgiving pardons. The sisters appeared disinterested throughout much of the event, which resulted in some comments and criticism in the media.
Lauten, however, took to
Facebook to share her opinion on Thanksgiving.
"Dear Sasha and Malia: I get you're both in those awful teen years, but you're a part of the first family, try showing a little class," Lauten wrote. "At least respect the part you play. Then again, your mother and father don't respect their positions very much, or the nation for that matter. So, I'm guessing you're coming up a little short in the 'good role model' department.
"Rise to the occasion. Act like being in the White House matters to you. Dress like you deserve respect, not a spot at a bar, and certainly don't make faces during televised public events."
Lauten began receiving backlash from her comments and decided to delete her post. She announced on Monday that she would resign from Fincher's office.
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