These employees chose easy money over honest work and ended up losing both. Here are four cases when dumb employees think they can steal without getting caught. Number four, worker steals lottery ticket, then things get worse. On January 15th, 2025, police were called to a local convenience store after management discovered an employee allegedly stealing lottery tickets and [music] redeeming the winning ones. Here's what unfolded when officers stepped in. Hey, how you doing? Okay, how are you? I'm going to close the door cuz he's so Yeah. All right, what'd you call the police for? Well, this is about the lottery I'm not guilty of anything. You don't You don't need to know what I'm talking about. Yeah. Okay, so I have an associate. Um, I've been back and forth with like my boss, um, HR. Yeah. So, they told me to put a ticket into Salesforce, which required for me to have a police report. So, I'm going to show you the videos of him stealing. Let me see. I'm going to I'm going to record it as I go here. Okay, I have them saved somewhere. Do you know where it'll be easier if I just go in here? I'll find them here. So, I first noticed it when he had a whole bunch of, um, um, collateral cashes. Yeah. >> Like over the weekend. Like we never cashed this many lottery tickets here ever. >> Cash, yeah. Yeah, cash. So, I looked at the video of this incident and looked like he was purchasing them, I mean, you know, scratching them off, seeing if they were winners. Yeah. And then if he won the money, then he would pay for them. Okay. So, that's what he was doing with these. So, I kept all of those just in case I have to go through some of those. But, let me get you to where we can see these videos. Um, and then I noticed when I came in on Monday um that he There's one right here. I don't know if he's working with someone. He's right here. Once officers grasp what's going on, they turn to the surveillance cameras to watch the theft unfold on screen. You want to sit here? But, this gentleman here Okay. >> He's in both of the videos. So, he comes in. He does not There's no communication or anything. He goes straight to the lottery tickets. That's James right there. >> Yeah. Like, he didn't even There's the lottery tickets Oh, I'm sorry. I'll write them there. So, if someone asked for one, you know, he didn't even look there. Okay. So, he's been associated He's been uh working here for how long? >> Um I want to say maybe three months three or four months. >> very long. No, not very long at all. Just enough to steal some money or >> Just enough to steal some money. And this is ridiculous that we have this issue here a lot. Yeah. Like, what makes you think that you could get away with this? We chop these tickets for a reason. Well, they're all They're they are all all like uh regimented by the state, too, or something? >> Yes, exactly. Yeah. Like, they're missing one, they know. >> Right, exactly. See how he's just grabbing like a whole bunch of tickets? And I'll show you the video from the other angle to show exactly what he was doing. He's act like he's ringing them up. >> Which clearly he did not. Yeah, that was too quick. No, he's on this side, though. He's on the other register, but even if he did purchase He only scanned like one of those tickets. But, then he voided it off. Like, I got I don't know the actual amount yet, but I'm I'm sure it's close to $600. Yep. Can you guys go back and figure out like at that particular time if he What he wrong? Cuz that Is he have a system like that or no? Well, that's how I got to So, see how What time is that? It's 11:20 or something. I'm sorry. 23:11, so 11:11. 11:11, okay. So, So, he he does um when there's a customer in there I mean, this is the only person that he's been doing it to. I mean, giving the tickets to this gentleman, cuz that's the second time I saw him. Oh, so this might be a So, he's working with that guy, but I can't really see his face. The manager explains there was an accomplice involved, and the footage leaves no doubt about when and how the crime happened. Yeah. I've asked a couple of people here if they know that guy, but like I said, he really I'm really not able to see his face. >> Yeah. But, my boss will be here next week, and she can probably, you know, dig a little deeper into this if you need her to, but >> just wondering. I know like all of these tickets were taken, but this is This is the first incident, so he did it again. See, he's acting like he's putting money in there. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. Yeah. That's what he was doing. He was scanning them, and opening up the drawer with whatever he was doing with the tickets. >> Okay. I never saw him. I don't know if he's >> Was he scanning the Is he scanning tickets there or something? I don't know. Oh, he's not scanning anything. I'm going to show you a different one. >> I'm talking about that customer. Customer. He's doing something with his phone. He's doing something with his phone. I don't know what he's doing with his phone. >> [music] >> See how I watch See, he's got money in his hand. He gave him the money. Now, watch this. See how he got the money in his hand? Mhm. He's doing the drawer on the same I don't know if he's doing the hit no sale or something. See, he gave me my money back. Yeah. He didn't even put anything in the drawer. Yeah. Yeah, they know they're on camera. I Like, come on. What do you think these cameras are here for? What do people think they don't work? Yeah. >> [laughter] >> Okay, so that's the end of that one. And I want to show you that's a regular customer like that. Yeah. I want to show you the other one. A second camera angle is shown, and what officers see only makes the suspect look even worse. Okay, so here's a different angle. Oh, okay. That's the same guy. You want to sit down? I don't know, you're good. I'll sit down all day >> [laughter] >> in the car. And that's the same guy. Now, watch this. So, is that So, is that a different time? >> It's the same time. It's just a different angle. >> But see, you can see the register here. Yeah. >> You can see like he's When you hit that button at the top, he voided that off. So, he make it look like he's scanning things, but he's voiding it voiding it. Yeah. He hit no sale I mean, safe drop to open the drawer. I know what these all of those Yeah. pictures are cuz I'm up you know, I'm on a register enough to know. And so, that's >> [music] >> That's not a transaction there. >> Yeah. So, that's the same guy then? >> That's the same guy, yeah. >> Yeah. Uh Mr. Parker with the lottery tickets that he I have another video, though. So, this dude didn't pay for anything. So, he So, I don't know how much stuff he's been just giving away. You know? Yeah. See there go the 10. But how do you know that's a 10? This I could tell. Okay. Look, I mean yeah, but it's not a No, most 10s are they're a little darker Yeah. than >> [laughter] >> Yeah. You know, you handle a lot of money a day. >> You got the eye for it. See, he still he gives it right back. Let me see them. These are from This is from a whole different day. I didn't even record these yet. >> Yeah. And this I want Let's see. So, where is the last one? With the footage fresh on everyone's minds, the manager recalls that this isn't the first time the suspect has been involved in trouble at the store. Actually, see I have what he sold. Okay, so he's coming back with the lottery tickets now. >> Mhm. One more time. So, these would be like the winning ones kind of? >> not even the winning ones. They're like the instant lottery tickets. We don't know if they're winners until they actually scratch them off. So, he's just giving this guy a bunch of these tickets Okay. >> different denominations, like a a $30 one. >> Oh, so so he gives them they don't even know if they're winners yet. >> if they're winners yet. Exactly. >> Okay. So, then [clears throat] if they happen to win They happen to win, they can go cash them in. Then he comes back and cashes them. He doesn't come back here and cash them because after a certain hour we don't cash them. And then we don't cash them over $100 anyway. I don't think he would be stupid enough to bring the tickets that he's giving away back here to for this guy to to scan them. Now, that was the first video I showed you of him getting all of the tickets. Yeah. Oh, no, this is a different day. >> Yeah. That's yeah, look like a wearing a a something different. >> Yeah, we're on a different day now. So, this is 2 days in a row. And think it totaled over like $600. >> So, one sale was yesterday, 140? >> It was So, we're a day behind. So, this is from This would be for Monday night and then Sunday night. >> So, today's the 15th? >> Today's the 15th. So, this was Monday night going into Tuesday morning. >> 1325. You looking at That was That was even better. That's 0256. >> Yep. But, the other one was uh 1150? >> 1150, right. That was a one That was Would that be a >> That was on a different day. That was 112. Yes. >> [laughter] >> Cuz it was kind of like, yeah. >> Yeah, so yeah. So, 11 uh So, he So, that's the same guy. That's how I know it. I'm like, this is the same guy. He comes in the second night. [clears throat] But, now he's grabbing all of the tickets. Much like the earlier footage, the second recording leaves little room for argument, clearly capturing both men committing the crime. Bingo. Watch this. >> huh, okay. That's a good one. Cuz you have a whole stack of tickets. >> right? Now, watch this. He act like he's scanning. Also, see, the first time he was over there. So, this is a completely different video. He See, cuz they ask for the age. He's wearing a different color. Exact, see? That's why you're a police officer. You should be a detective. >> Together Together we can solve everything. >> Okay. But, see, watch this. He's going to click it and he's going to void it. That's the stack of tickets. He didn't He scanned one ticket. Oh, I'm sorry. And now he's voiding it off. There's the birthday. Act like you put the birthday in there. Cuz they ask for a birthday age restriction. See, act like he's scanning them. >> [laughter] >> That's these two voids right here. Okay. I'll take pictures >> He voided them off. Okay. Yep, he voided them off. Look at all those tickets in that bag. Yeah. And I don't even know what's up there to see what the guy is even paying for, if anything. See, he has a bunch of singles in his hand. >> Yeah. So, I don't even know Does he give them the money back? No, it looked like he put Well, looks like he put the ones in and gave him something else. Probably another five or 10. >> See, oh, switched it out. Like changed it out. He put the five back. >> Yeah, that's kind of what it looked like. >> [laughter] >> Yep, so those are the three videos that I have so far. I just wanted to get something put in, but this is from Is there prosecution desired? Oh, yeah, absolutely. >> making sure. After going through all the footage, the manager then presents officers with a stack of unpaid lottery tickets believed to have been stolen. >> $60 here. Here's another $300 here. So, that's a pretty good racket. Oh, yeah. In the course of from like the 9th, the 11th and I mean the 12th and like the 13th. In 3 days that he worked. So, those are from that day and then uh Let me make sure this is not the same day. Yeah, cuz this is a different total here. See, that's his one. See, I didn't have a chance to circle the tickets, but I can but like this day this was on that day, the 13th, we were 160. So, the basically this is showing that those tickets that he put that he took down, he didn't scan them. Okay. >> what's making our lottery that's So, that's the >> So, that's the amount So, that's where you're off. Right, that's where we're off. And then it should be one Like I said, I can have all the rest of them. All these are different. >> So, that's why you just kind of called there's probably more. >> Exactly, there's definitely. Here is another one right here if you want to take a picture of that one. Okay, so we're looking at >> There's definitely more. So, the one 38 and the 160 and then what is this one 70? >> Plus this one Oh, this is 70 right here, right? And that's 10 and this totals to 70. Okay. So, yeah, it'll I like I said, it's going to add up cuz right now my lottery is like $650 short. So, that's probably why. Okay. And I got that That's what I noticed. Like I said, I'm I don't know what makes him think that this stuff you know, that we're not going to catch this. Officers don't catch up with the suspect until he returns to the store days later and that encounter quickly leads to his eventual arrest. James. How you doing, man? I'm just going to have to ask you to step out. You'll be under arrest at this point, okay? For what? What? Okay. Anything on you I need to know about? >> hang on your phone for you? Can I hang on your phone for you? >> real quick? Nope. Not right now. >> Please have to pee. It's all right. What is Huh? Why are you an idiot? You didn't ran you liar. Stupid idiot. I going to disarm Josh. Are you done? No. Are you done? >> No. No. Yo, we got him pinned on the ground in the store. I'm putting my hands behind my back. No kidding, you are. Yeah, that one. Can you get a grip on it? I got it. He ain't going to get >> arm pinned. He ain't moving it. Now, you're having a resisting arrest charge on you, too. 32 East of here now. Stand up. He's about as smart as they come. Hold on, Josh. I tried telling you to get here. I was. Okay, I got him. Made a little bit of a mess. We apologize. Thank you, guys. As officers get ready for the drive to the station, the suspect shares something that quickly puts him in an even tighter spot. That's That's his phone, his cigarettes. >> His phone. His uh headphones. What do you got on you that you're trying to get away from? Huh? What? You're being charged already, yes. What do you have on you? A little bit of Where is it at? All right, we'll get it. In your boot? No, no. Okay. Sorry. I'm on. I was going to say about the headlights. Think so. All right, I don't know. Yeah. Well, You got the the gloves? Yeah, I got I'll pick it up. I don't know if there's anything in this car. What's that? Let me check my headphones. Good. Take your time. I got to grab the rest of this stuff. >> [clears throat] >> Good. Nothing's going to poke me. Probably sticking me inside. Yeah, we'll get it. A mess. Yeah. I'm coming to get it all. Oh. Thank you. After his encounter with the police, the suspect was arrested and charged with criminal theft, resisting arrest without violence, and possession of illegal substances. Number three, McDonald's manager's clever money scheme falls apart fast. On June 22nd, 2024, officers met with a McDonald's owner who reported suspicious payroll activity involving two employees who had never shown up for work. Here's what happened when officers looked into the case. Hello, ma'am. Hello, um, uh, you wanted to report somebody at McDonald's who said >> Every day since November. Of last year? Okay. So, he hired two ghost employees. They don't exist. They're not there. But they're getting a paycheck, and that's going to end." So, he's getting two paychecks. Okay. And how did you uh discover this? I don't know how long they've been getting it, but the owner states only two people. Yeah. One of the employees. One of the employees was was into it. And every time you do like a change on a time clock, Okay. it has to be approved by uh the general manager. Okay. And he would go in and manually edit it. So, there's two there's two employees that he hired. One is I don't even know if they're real people or what. Yeah. They don't have an address or social security at all. I was going to say, do you have the address for these people? That way I can actually look up and see if there's Yeah. any data on these people. Okay. That's Brian Alexander Fernandez. Does it show a birthday for him? For Alexander? Um I can get all of that. What's the second person? The other one is Luis Lopez. So, this one he was off cuz there's actually a Luis Lopez that works there, but he hired a second Luis Lopez with two Z's on the last name. What is Luis's last name? Fernandez. And I can get you his address, but he's actually in the store right now. Gotcha. How long has he been there for? 13 years. 13 years. Do you have an Oh, actually longer than that. I've been there for 13 years. He was there before I even got there. Okay. Do you have an an amount? It's just shy of $28,000. So, for Alexander, it's $15,293.85. For Luis Lopez, it is $12,000 $619.65. So, Alexander was hired on November 15th, 2023, and Luis was hired January The owner explains these ghost employees ended up costing the business at least $28,000 before walking officers through how the scheme managed to go unnoticed for so long. So, what he would do is uh Sunday is when the payroll goes out. He he was going in like in the middle of the night or before anyone else there and even added that he was there 40 hours a week. 28 hours a week? for a week. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more. So does this show an actual schedule of when these people work? Like hours? Well, that's what the restaurant manager knows the schedule. So we figured it out. First we only knew about Alexander. Okay. And then we we checked all the payroll versus the schedule. >> And it threw us off because Luis was another one but there was two Luis's. Yeah. So he would he added the second Z so that when their name when their name was on the time clock cuz everyone could see the time clock. Yeah. But the one at the restaurant was an overnight employee. He's like, "Why are you guys always complaining that labor's high and you guys got this guy punched in and he's not even working here?" For the beginning of November. Yeah. So he has access to pay cards to fill out new employee's and he can assign them a pay card. Okay. And he has a pay card, I'm guessing. Yeah. Cuz I was going to ask when when they get paid do they get paid by check, direct deposit or how? It's through direct deposit which is how he's not getting paid but these employees are on a pay card. On a pay card? Right. Okay. Payroll and office people are the only ones that have access to that. Cuz we trust him he's our general manager. He has access to this. The owner and manager stole my password. Yeah. Yeah. That's not the case because he's he's using it on the computer in the office. Okay. Got you. But he can also do it from his house cuz it's like uh cloud based. So he does have access to that at his house? Any computer. Any computer? Okay. Because he's the highest level GM, he's the highest level manager he can edit payroll. Okay. What do you want to get done? Exactly. Do you want to sign the complaints to want him to get charged with the felony or do you want him to reimburse the $20,000? All of the above. Unfortunately if you choose signing the complaints you can't go after him for the 28, you could go after him for 28 in court. Yeah. Yeah. I don't think he's got it. If you don't choose If you don't choose the 28, and you choose signing the complaints, or sorry, you don't choose signing the complaints, Once officers discover the suspect held a managerial position, they sit down with the owner to map out how to bring the case to justice. He violated the trust. I don't That's what I was saying. What, 6 months now? Maybe more. I mean, he could have He's making good money. He's getting full benefits. Everything, yeah. We just gave him a raise. He's getting bonus. >> Yeah. I don't understand why. Yeah. Um There's no reason for it. I mean, yeah, so well, the the signing the complaints or whatnot. Um Did you guys arrest him? And does he work jail for this, or what is it? What happens? So, the process is so, we do a primary report, and then we kick it over to the detectives. Um they have to just screen us. They're going to pull his bank records. They have to see his financials, his income. So, the process will take a few months before you even see him getting arrested. They're going to have to bring him in. And if he lies and denies, then you and the detectives have to gather all the evidence you possibly have to prove that he is the one that stole the savings. Yeah. So, we need to fill out a report. Your best question is, you don't want him there. No. What should you do? I want So, you want to do the photo call? But, don't expect us to go and arrest him cuz it doesn't work like that. Unfortunately, we have to gather everything that we have and start the process. And then the detectives decide how they want to handle it, they handle it. Yeah. We can't just go and arrest him at this point um until we do that like you said. The initial report, it gets turned over to investigations. They get all of, you know, their documentation in order. So, That's what we normally like when I usually fire someone for something stupid like they stole $100. Yeah. Uh we would get >> We're talking $20,000. Yeah. We don't want to We don't want to see him being in this. No, I know. That's why I'm here. Yeah. Yeah. This is more serious than $100. You scare him, they give you your money back, and then they leave. And then This is something that we don't want to let anybody know us to let up. Right. Crap, cuz we have to want to make sure that these complaints are filed properly and he you know he gets uh the charges that he needs to get rather than him getting tipped off and then all of a sudden he's you know preparing to when we're going to you know question him or whatever the case may be. And he agrees that he he stole the 20,000 and he signed that he did. Hey, he's admitting to guilt there, you know? All right, yep, no problem. And you too, thank you. Following a lengthy investigation that lasted over a year, officers confirm the case and finally take the suspect into custody. All right. Uh we're going to just step in here real quick. I got to make sure you don't have any weapons on you. Okay. Still live on Lotus? Hey, it's uh 31. Can you punch me a ticket for this guy to the station? Yeah, just do that and then it's 10K to 100K, but that's only for sentencing, so it's not part of the charge. A lot of times it's all just the 10 minutes, that's fine. I'm going to get your fingerprints and she's going to give you your paperwork. Okay, see you, bye. Go to court. Okay. Otherwise, you will see me again. No. [laughter] I don't know, you got a lawyer and everything, everything's good. Yeah. Let him deal with it. All right, sir, if I can have you come stand up in this area uh with your back to this gray board for me. I'm going to have you look up in this camera right in front of you. All right, Ishmael. Um you're being charged with one count of felony theft, okay? This is your charge here. This here is your pre-trial release and only sign this if you can, okay? So what I'm doing is I'm giving you the ability to sign so you can release instead of Just give it to me, that's all. Okay. Um do you have any questions? No, no. Just work with the end to to get it squared away, okay? I know you will. All right, and you know not to do this again. Yeah. Okay. Yeah, if you got no questions, we'll get you out of here. Yeah, I got no problem. And then you are out the door, sir. Um your court date's listed on there. It's I believe the 15th at 9:30 a.m. out of the DuPage County Courthouse in Wheaton. Um work with Dean if you have any questions on what to do, what to wear, things like Okay. Okay. Sounds good. All right, sir. Okay. Sounds good. I want to play you All right. Thank you. All right, sir. Good luck to you. Thanks for coming in and taking care of this, okay? Yep. After more than a year of digging into the case, officers traced the stolen $28,000 back to the suspect, ultimately charging him with felony theft. Number two, Home Depot worker treated store inventory like her own. On April 4th, 2024, officers responded to a Home Depot after reports that an employee had been using her cashier ID to steal nearly $6,000 worth of merchandise. Here's what happened when officers arrived. Okay, ma'am. When did this start? How long has this been going on? At least since September. Okay. We didn't know until >> Um so, she was We have a thing where you can like if Let's say you scan something twice, you can remove one thing. >> Right. Um that's how she got caught. Okay. >> Cuz she scanned something twice, removed it. Same customer every single time. Um and then at that point she passed two plants. Um but since then she's passed $5,700 worth of stuff since September. Okay. Um to the same customer. Uh she claims she doesn't know that customer. She claims she does that she agrees that it happened because I did my homework, but she doesn't remember any of it. Okay. So, uh the interesting thing is the other associate that she passed merchandise to works for that customer. Okay. Part-time. So, but she claims she didn't know that yet. She was telling me that uh whoever this customer is, corporate's going to be Well, we'll go up there as well. All right. Uh she actually owns an animal hospital really close to here. I'm assuming that's where all the items are coming from. It's huge. It's an animal hospital, but um So, that's what she's turning all of this into, I'm thinking. It's flooring. Flooring, paint, and then the next uh the most recent one March 9th was a DeWalt table saw and some tile. So, she's obviously renovating something. I don't know if it's a I didn't go to the clinic. I don't know if it's a clinic or a house or I have no idea, but Well, that's a not a very expensive renovation then. Yeah, not when all your materials are free. So, I'm just going to go in and let her know that we're terminating her and then you guys can take over. Okay. Real quick, uh I can also take this if you're just helping out today. I didn't know if I was talking to you. >> No, it's all good. We're all the same because and you are the the district loss prevention officer. After learning of the suspect's MO from the store manager, the officers now turn to face the suspect. >> Uh she also apparently works for something with the school board part-time. So, she may She's making great choices. If we're going to teach her it's teaching my kids. Right. Hopefully not. Good afternoon, Elena, right? I'm Officer Branch with the Palm Bay Police Department. You know why I'm talking to you? Excuse me. Do you know why I'm speaking with you today? No. Okay. So, um I know that you were just terminated from Home Depot. They ended up calling us uh in regard to what has been going on. Okay. Um and basically I would just like to to ask you if you would like to speak with us. Okay. Okay. So, basically they would like to pursue charges on this. So, I'm just going to read you your Miranda warning. Okay. Okay. If you want to get more comfortable and set your stuff down, you absolutely can. Um but I'll just read you your Miranda warning and then we can go from there, okay? You can read them to me. >> [snorts] >> So, >> It's just that I have my diabetic um monitor on my phone and >> Totally totally understand that and I'm not going to hinder you in any way. >> and I just need um what time is it? Cuz my >> Uh right now it's about 12:24. Oh, I'm okay. Okay. >> For one. All right. Yeah, you just let me know. Okay. Uh do you have automatic um pump or anything for your insulin? Uh no, it's in my bag. Okay. All right. So, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have one present with you while you're being questioned. Okay. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning if you wish one. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand each of these rights that I've explained to you? Yes. Having these rights in mind, are you willing to speak with us now? Yeah. Once officers finish reading her rights, they begin questioning the suspect to hear her side of the story. In regard In regard to this, I mean, it was reportedly about $5,700. That's what they're saying. Okay. Well, tell me tell me your side of I can't recall their name to him. He named some person, random person that I have no knowledge of and he says that it was ongoing and it was only that particular customer, not ever anyone else. Okay. Before um I keep asking you some questions, do you mind getting your driver's license out and I can help you simply? >> As far as you know, the things that you're saying you don't call. Did they explain to you Did they explain to you the the method that you were using to attain certain things? >> Yeah, but they're only showing me one customer I mean, they're pertaining to one particular person that I've been supposedly be doing this with. I have no recollection of who they are. Okay. What was the method that they were saying that you were using? Um scanning three items and not the rest. Um letting things walk out the door. I Okay. I don't have that practice with anybody. So, You don't have that what? Practice with anybody else. Supposedly, I've done the thousands of scans that I've done. Right. It's just this one particular person. Okay. And I don't recollect that person. Um When you say you don't recollect that person, this one person has been involved Supposedly multiple times. >> Multiple times on this um supposedly that I've let go, [snorts] not rung up, Uh-huh. or, you know, let things go by. Even after seeing the evidence, the suspect refuses to back down, forcing officers to switch up their line of questioning. And if you don't [clears throat] know this person, but this person has come back multiple times, do you recognize Could you recognize this person? If Yeah, if they would let me know who the person is, yeah. Okay. >> [snorts] >> Do you know or remember the items that you According to him, he said flooring, um baseboards, um uh like the wall uh I think so, he said. Well, I and I'm not necessarily basing it just on what they're saying. I want I want you to tell me your side because of course we got called here because they called us. >> Uh-huh. Um and you know, what they are reporting is, you know, quite the theft. I mean, that's a that's a felony level theft. >> yes. How long have you been employed with the company? >> Five years. Five years? >> Mhm. Have you been in trouble for anything like this before? No. I've worked for a doctor for 15 years. And he retired recently back in 2019. You worked for who again? A doctor. I was working for a doctor. He was an eye surgeon. He retired and I came to work here. So, five years. How long have you lived in Palm Bay? Uh about 20. Do you have any any friends that are currently doing a remodeling? No. And my house doesn't need work. Well, my house needs remodeling, but I haven't uh started any procedure on that yet. Okay. So, why do you believe that they are saying that you're doing this? I have no idea. If I were to give you a name of someone who supposedly has all of these items, would you tell me if I know them? Mhm. Sure. What's the name of the person? Barbara? No, I don't know a Debbie Butler. That's the name he gave me in there. Well, I don't know. Using her own statements, officers expose a critical flaw that leaves their credibility hanging by a thread. I have no association with Barbara. I've never met her. Don't know what even what she looks like because he didn't show me any photos. It just seems a little weird that they, you know, would call us, they'd go through the process of >> That's fine. That's it's what they got to do. I mean, I'm not You just seem kind of like nonchalant about it. I would be very upset if I was in your position. I'm not because it's like, you know, I only work here part-time and you know, I've done the best my my attendance is spectacular. I'm always here and they call me, I work, you know, so if this is the way they want to look at something, I mean, I can't help them. I'm very sad that I have to to go through this cuz I work for the school board as well and I tutor children, you know, so I'm going to have to just clear my name because they wanted me to come on board full-time and I can't do that now with this, so I don't know what to say. Yeah. Well, I don't want you to make up anything. I mean, if it's not if it's not true, it's not true. However, based on the things that we have, of course, like we have to we have to take the next steps, so they would like to pursue charges, so you are going to be in custody um for that. Do you have any further questions for me right now? No, right now I don't know. Okay. Um is there anyone at home that you need to call or coordinate a a ride with your vehicle? Well, I Well, I have a vehicle. The suspect makes one final attempt to talk her way out of trouble, but officers are already ahead of her and quickly shut it down. I can meet you at the station, whichever way, you know. >> No, that's not how it's going to work this time. So, this time you you're coming with us. Okay. Um but that's why I'm asking if you can call anybody to come get your vehicle or where where are your where is your insulin at? Uh in Well, I have my my bag in there, so I have to go get my insulin at home. Where is your bag? In my locker. In your locker? Okay. So, you haven't cleared out your locker at all yet. No, I need is my bag. It's still in there. All right. And I left my apron there. Let's walk to your locker and get your bag, okay? Okay. This way. Where is your stuff out of her locker? It's right in here. Can we do it outside? So, I'm going to I know you've been super respectful, but this is just our policy, okay? So, I'm going to cuff you. It's going to be in the front. Really? You're going to embarrass me in front of all of them? I'm not I'm not going to embarrass you. Okay. I'm I'm just going to do it You don't want to do it in the front? Just do it. I have to I have to do this, okay? Thank you. With the suspect now in custody, the only thing left for officers to do is escort her out and close the case. Keep them super loose, so they're not going to Thank you. 268, can you show one female on the side? Make sure that my keys are not hung up on the fan. Yep, they are. Oh, okay. Just making sure because I thought I left them off on the side. Did he say horse? Okay. Just put your hands here. It's not not the most comfortable. All our stuff up over here. Okay. What's that? I'll take all the stuff out. Thank you. I'll be right there in a minute. All right. All right. Just raise your right hand for me. Swear you'll tell me the truth, all truth, nothing but the truth? Yes. You understand lying is bad? The what? >> Lying is bad. Lying is bad, is it? Lying is bad. You All right. We're going to agree lying is bad. >> There you go. After piecing everything together, officers determined the suspect stole nearly $5,700 in merchandise, leading to her arrest for grand theft. Number one, dental assistant risked her career for a shoplifting spree. On December 23rd, 2025, Freehold Township officers were dispatched to a J.C. Penney following reports of a theft in progress. Watch how the case unfolds. Oh, we can try both doors. This way? They're right here. Thank you. Hello. How we doing? How are you? Good. How are you? I'm Officer Mazza Kappa. Hello. What we have going on? Employee or together or Okay. Okay. Hi. So, how we doing? I'm uh the employee. Just so you know, we are being recorded. >> Yeah. Um so, we apprehended her today for the shoplifting of the merchandise that he's currently getting a receipt for, uh but we did have an incident in the past where she did walk out with other items as well that he has the total for as well. So, once he comes back with both of those totals, we'll be able to hash that out. Okay, the other one was how long ago? Uh the which one? The one The the one that Yeah, the previous. That was last month. All right. But, today do do we have an idea of today's total? Uh yeah, I'm going to say it was one Tim, what was the total of that right there? 120. 120. Yeah, 120 for >> to take a photo of the receipt, but then the receipt's all yours. Okay. And then what do we have for the prior? Or that's everything, 120? Yeah. So, the prior They were in gray sweaters and black pants for his many females. It was these two items. I was provided from Brunner, gray sweats. He didn't say anything about the pants. And he said two Hispanic females and a black male, I believe. Uh okay. So, the other two were $64 and $59 plus the $120. Okay. It's $243. All right. Um >> They got all the case information from that. Yeah. Yeah, perfect. Perfect. Um I'm going to grab just one thing I forgot. I'm going to grab one. I'll be right back in. While the stolen items total just $120, the final call on pursuing charges rests with the store management. All right. Um did you guys want us to prosecute? Do you want you want us to move forward with that? And Okay. 1624. That's for your stuff on the counter. The other stuff you didn't get back, I assume. >> written out. Okay. And that is, do you have a receipt for that stuff? Oh, what it was? Yeah, I'm not sure if it's on the the case already, but I can I can definitely get it. Okay. >> two on the floor that All right. Um because again, unfortunately, right? It's like incidents for us, it's not combined to give us a indictable total. >> Correct. So, this is a an under an indictable total. We don't combine it with one from last month. So, I just wanted to make sure you guys are aware with that. Um do you still have my email and everything from last week's? >> Uh yeah. You have all that information? So, you can send me that receipt. >> Yep. Video Do you have video from today? Uh I can get it. Yep. Okay. Um You already went through everything. There's nothing else in the bag concealed? >> us there was nothing else in the bag. Okay. Uh was How was the items taken? Were they concealed in that bag? >> bag. It's not concealed. Okay. Anyone else with you? Okay. And then she also removed, I'm not sure, could have been her, but removed the tag from this as well. Okay. Um did you drive here today? Okay. All right. So, this is how it's going to go. Unfortunately, you are going to be placed under arrest for it. All right. Um it's pretty quick process. I don't know your past history or anything like that, but I would assume you're going to be released out of here pretty quick. Um I'd say probably in an hour or less I can get you Okay. If there is I'd say probably in an hour or less I can get you out. Um you basically end up getting a a piece of paper. It's a ticket and then it'll be a court date. All right? Good. You're all right with that? Yep. All right. Um let's do this for now. We'll just come up around this way if you can. Can you just remember my ID? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I will. I'm going to keep you. I'm going to put you right in front. You're I'm not even going to do that to you. Just come this way. Keep coming this way. Keep coming this way. Good. Face me. I'm going to put them in front here. I don't think you're going to have any issues, right? No. All right. I'm just checking. Prior to taking further action, the officer conducts a search to ensure the suspect isn't carrying any prohibited items. I don't want to do that to you and make you uncomfortable if I don't have to. In your pocket, I see you put a cell phone. Is there anything else? All right. I'm going to grab your cell phone out. Candy? All right. Just go arms straight up for me. Perfect. Anything else inside that I should be worried about? Candy, a bunch of candy. Oh, man. Melting candy. Oh, no. Oh, yeah. Let's find those. Listen, I promise you that wouldn't be the the what? It wouldn't be the first time I unfortunately Do you want these still or do you I don't know. Listen, some people are like the Hershey's are my favorite. Okay. Got that? Okay. This is is this is your folder right here? All right. Nothing else in this one, right? All right. All right. Turn your face away from me. I'm going to use the back of my palm here. All right, I'm just going to kind of just go for a little search. Everything's on camera, you'll be okay there. Nothing I should worry about, right? All right, perfect. Your bag, correct? >> Yes. DL? That's not even a real DL. Your phone? Do you have your keys and everything like that? And then did you park out here in JCPenney? We'll get that figured for later. I'll even give you a ride back to make sure we get you out of here. Okay? Yep. Any questions? No. Any questions from you guys? No. I'll let him know if he has any. Perfect. All right, well, follow me this way. Thank you, guys. Thank you. Appreciate it. Now that everything is sorted out, the suspect's next [music] destination is the station for processing. County 276, time stamp one female, 41. Female 41, 917. All right. We'll grab this. See, I'll get you a flashlight, you're good there. You okay? I'm good. You good? Yeah. All right. What a mess. Yes. I'm sorry? Freezing. Yeah, unfortunately, you're in the guy's car who doesn't use heat. He don't use heat? No, >> [laughter] >> sorry. Oh my goodness. Let me see, I think actually but this is one of our new cars. Is this the back seat? Uh so, I just put that on. Let me know if you feel it. Okay. Thank you. Yeah, this is a new vehicle that they just added dual climate control, so let me know if you feel it. Okay. >> But I turned yours on. Okay. Thank you. Yep. Officers later discovered that the suspect, identified as Lauren Beck, has been charged with shoplifting five times, with her first case dating back to 2019. Good news. Right as you We got a call for you. There was a fight with four juveniles at the mall. That's why it took me a little bit to get to you. Good release. One girl got jumped by four. That's what we were Was she okay? Yeah. Yeah, it's uneven. Kids being kids. I don't even really get the full story about what it was. Left thumb. Okay, we're going to do the roll. We're going to get those. Send me away. That's my biggest thing. Like when my daughter gets old enough, I'm scared for fights. Oh, yeah. It's uh It definitely happens. Me and I worked a mall Saturday night and uh we had juveniles fight at the mall. Again, same thing. >> thing. Yeah. I said, "Why don't you go to a park to fight? Why do you got to come do it in the middle of the mall?" Where you know cops would be. >> Yeah, there's security everywhere. But they don't care sometimes, Pinky. Lauren is formally charged with shoplifting. Yet, records indicate she once again skipped her scheduled court appearance. What's your verdict? Let me know in the comments and I'll see you in the next video. As always, stay safe out there, folks.