You're gonna get saved. Feel good. Knees to your chest. Do it now. >> Okay. >> Bring them up to your chest, please. >> Everybody's out. >> When it comes to business, employees are the cornerstone. They keep the inventory stocked, operate the cash registers, and keep the shop running smoothly. From >> time to time, I I I took something and I I I give it to people. >> And who do you give the items to? I don't know, but I just want to make somebody happy. >> I can't close it all the way. >> You have stuffing wallet. What do you have? >> And while they're also expected to protect the place from thieves, there are times when shameless employees are the ones called stealing red-handed. >> What do you mean? >> Like the money from the register. >> All right. The money that you were stealing from the register. Okay. So that money you were using to donate towards your father's cremation. >> On January 13th, 2022, the cops were dispatched to a Home Depot after reports of an employee stealing. >> All right. >> My boss is going to take this one. >> Okay. >> Okay. What's up, man? >> How you doing? So um you've been working with us for [snorts] three months and over the three month period you going to the register take cash out of the register so we have it on video we have documented 17 sorry right now so once they turn I'm going to bring her to you >> okay over the 3 month period now we have from 119 1921, 1755,22. He's got it all on a thumb drive. Pretty old document. Here's basically [clears throat] synopsis of what led to the original confirmed death. Problem was [snorts] Christmas hit and during Christmas. So, we stopped the investigation of Christmas, but he continued it in the store. So, not everything's on his packet, but it's on his thumb drive and paperwork that he has. Okay. >> The manager went on explaining what had happened. Inside the packet, there were snapshots of the times when the employee was caught on camera, jumping register to register, taking cash out of each. The manager explained she'd taken up to $5,000 in 3 months. >> So, is that her there? >> And then whoever I'm adding, just >> no problem. going on. I see. [laughter] >> She's going to leave one right here >> and fold it with her fingers. >> Are you locked in or out? >> You're still in. Okay. A few seconds. >> See how it's tucked? >> Yeah, it's just tucked under. Yeah. >> She drops it there. She's going to pick it up again and fold it. Yeah. Yeah, I see it. Yeah, >> she's quick. That's why I asked her when I was in like she did it before. Does she have any >> um No, she doesn't have uh really any history. So that's, you know, >> she >> goes in and right in her pocket. >> Oh yeah. At the end of the employees shift, security footage showed the employee folding cash as she was counting the money. After folding the cash and making it seem like it was going back in the drawer, she stealthily slipped the money into the pocket of her apron. >> Um, Adam, what's your position here? >> I'm the district asset protection manager. >> Okay. And uh can you tell me uh just why are we here? What happened? >> Uh back in early December uh we were able to uh review some reports that showed shortages, cashover short reporting. Uh during that time we identified uh the cashier in question uh last name um had multiple cash shortages. Uh due to that we began our investigation review CCTV uh at which time we identified um removing funds from the register on multiple occasions and concealing them either in her apron or in her pants pocket. Um due to that we concluded an investigation and on today's date >> uh what's today? >> On 113 2022 I responded to the store to speak to me with regards [music] to the cash shortages. During my conversation with um we asked what transpired and what action she took. She acknowledged both written and verbal that she would um open the register doing cash strip voids, remove funds from the register and conceal them in her apron or in her pocket. She stated the reason she did that is she had a family member that passed away and that she had to help them pay for some funds. When asked how much she took, [music] she stated she thought approximately $5,000. However, documented on paper was just shy of $1,800, which we have CCTV and documentated document documented reports of. The officer could tell that the asset protection manager had been doing his job for quite some time due to his professionalism and level-headedness. The way the man was talking, it seemed like it wasn't the first time he'd seen this scheme, which was an unsettling thought. Next up, the officer talked to the suspect herself about exactly what happened. Uh, can you tell me what happened? What's going on? >> Like when I I've been he said I've been working three months. I can stop cuz I came in November, right? >> Like when I just work like I was just taking the funds just so I could like be with my granddad for [music] his cremation. >> So you took this job for your for who? >> No, like I was like it's just working. But no, like with this it's like I was taking the funds out for my grandfather's cremation. Sorry, father's cremation right there. >> Yeah, >> you just [snorts] >> Okay. And um wait, what do you mean? You were taking funds. Uh what do you mean? >> Like the money from the registers? >> All right. The money that you were stealing from the register. Okay. So that money you were using to donate towards your father's cremation. >> Okay. >> The officer talked to the woman. She seemed to know that stealing was wrong, but the cop reiterated the fact regardless. She seemed to have no remorse about taking the money and went on to explain her scheme. >> So, you you were taking the the money out of the register. How would you do this exactly? >> Like it was like we got to like the register [music] save like a cash strip and just like fold >> cash drop. >> Yeah, you can say cash drop. So, >> or strip you said strip. Okay. >> Okay. And so, what does a cash strip mean? It's like it's like when the registers like you have they only can have a certain amount of register. So like if you have like $1,000 you have to drop [music] five. Well it normally be more than a th00and but it'll tell you how much you have to [music] drop. So like it's like hundreds 50s then 20s 10 ones and like change. You shouldn't have nothing in your hundreds and 50 spot. You should only have 20s 10 fs and ones. >> Oh okay. >> Yeah. >> And so when you have uh excess money in your in your register you have to do a strip. We just have to like send it up to the office or I don't know what we >> So what would happen normally if you know um you weren't stealing the money but you know you you understood that there you needed to do a strip on your register. What who would take the money? >> Nobody. We have to put it in like like if it like this shift daytime you just put it in like a a bottle and you send it up. But if you do night shift you have to just keep it under the registry. >> Oh okay. All right. So they have like a specific means for collecting the money and then but it's not to go like in your pocket or something. Okay. All right. >> The suspect explained that her first shift occurred after Thanksgiving, but she didn't start stealing till sometime in December. When they added the stolen money up, it turned out to be over $5,000. That means she stole this huge sum of money in just a month and a half. At that point, the only thing left for the officer to do was put her in handcuffs. >> Stand up for me. >> Can we go out this door? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Turn around. And this way. >> Yeah. Yeah. Make >> these all ones. >> Yeah. >> These credit cards in your name. Do you have anything in your your locker that you need to have? >> No, I never use my locker. >> Okay. All right. We got 110 105 16 17 [music] 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5 26 $27. Any other cash? >> No. >> For stealing over $5,000. They arrested the suspect and she was charged with grand theft. While it's sad that her grandfather passed away and she had a lot going on, she should have looked instead for a legal way to get the money. On May the 3rd, 2024 in Florida, the cops responded to a Walmart after an alarming theft report. Allegedly, an employee was stealing tires in batches of 20, and they'd stolen up to $20,000 worth, and they were illegally selling them, making a very tidy profit. When the cops arrived, they talked to a manager who explained things. >> Okay. So, just tell me what happened. Um, so what happened was on the 5th of April, >> Mhm. >> Um, he came he came work at 6 something in the morning, he went in the bathroom where there was all the tires >> and he was fixing the tires. Then we went to the oil he took the tires from the He took the tires from the tires room and went to the oil room and stage the tires there. >> In what room? >> In the oil room. >> Oil room. >> Yeah. He staged the tires >> and around approximately 8:40 8:15 around this time he had one on the customer that came in and told me that I presume was his brother, but I don't know. give him he loaded the 20 tires in the in the truck. Then you meet the customer come back inside the store and pay for the tires >> and he put all the 20 tires at $20. >> If you've ever bought tires, you'd know they cost more than 20 bucks. The loss prevention officer explained that the employee was changing the price of the items by using the lookup feature of the smart system used by Walmart. It also seemed highly likely that the customer was in on the scheme. So then after that >> then after that the one the other one was early in the morning. It was around like 6:00 something in the morning. >> Which day was that? >> On the 5th also. >> So this one you said he came in at 6:00 a.m. to work. >> Yeah, he came at 6:00 a.m. to work. That's when he did the first one. And then >> the next day they informed me that there was more tire missing. >> So then when I review the the transaction, I said that around this around 7 something the truck came and and delivered some um some tires. So 7:00 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. So two times. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So when um the truck came, he unload the trucks. >> Was it the same truck? >> No, it was another truck. >> So it was another truck that came and dropped some tires. But um when you going to look at the video, everything was made outside. >> So you say a separate se came at 7:00 a.m. and drop tires or pickup tires? >> Drop [music] tires. So delivery, >> huh? >> They come to delivery tires. >> Oh. Oh. Okay. So delivery >> and that was a Walmart delivery that you guys were expecting. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then what happened? >> And and around that time he was fixing the tires and then I don't remember around one time he was still a black truck in the video. He told the black truck to back up around the Bay Area. >> Which truck is this now? >> That was going to be the black truck. The loss prevention officer explained to the cop that the employee replicated the scheme, charging the very same customer with 12 tires at $20 each when in reality they'd really given 20 tires. Knowing more about the scheme, the cops confronted the suspect. >> So I can't like even if I make a statement, I can't defend my case. >> You can defend your case? Yeah. >> I'm being terminated. >> Yes, sir. [snorts] >> So how can I make a statement? Like like me and April just told you, if you want to open door your termination, then you have 100% right to do that. You can either come back and ask to speak to the market HR or you can call Google Walmart ethics and they'll give you that phone number to open door termination. >> But >> but then I'm just fired regardless. >> So they could overturn it, they could not. But I'm just saying what our facts of our investigation were. Right? We have [snorts] everything detailed lined up and we just bring the associates in to figure out what caused this to happen. >> Okay? >> Right? And that's why we came to talk to you to figure out what caused this happen. [snorts] >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, even no matter what I just told you, I was going to get a fire regardless while walking in here. >> So, everything else is going to be between April and [music] these two gentlemen here. Okay. >> All right. I appreciate you coming to talk to me. >> The suspect really had a lot of nerve questioning his termination after clearly stealing from the store. The manager handled things well though, explaining to the man that he could try to appeal the termination, but in these circumstances, it wasn't likely to happen. Then before proceeding, they explained the next steps in the investigation. >> So, my partner here is going to read your [music] rights and I'm going to ask you some questions and talk to you about the investigation. Okay. >> Okay. >> Um, >> it's best that you be honest with us because that's I mean, we already have everything. And I'm not going to ask you questions if I don't know the answer. >> But that's just going to see your honesty with you and where you lie and how this goes. >> All right. So if I ask you a question, it's because I already know. >> Okay. >> All right. And this isn't my first time coming across this with you. >> All right. Yeah. Well, in in this whole situation. All right. >> I thought you know me from >> Yeah. No, no, no. But >> if I'm I'm asking [music] I'm talking to you, it's cuz I have knowledge of what's going on. So if you're lying for me from the jump, I'll already know and it just makes it worse. All right. Okay. >> We want this to be smooth as possible. [music] All right. >> All right. >> After the investigating officer explained the consequences of lying, that should have been the suspect's cue to come clean. But being so shameless, even after being caught red-handed, being honest with them might be too much to expect. >> All right, Mr. What's your first name? >> Uh, Brian. B R A Y A. >> Okay. And your last name? >> Flores. >> And what's your date of birth? >> 6302. >> 6302. Do you know why we're here? >> Um, yeah. For I'm assuming for this case, the following up, >> which is why >> the the tires. Okay. So, tell me about that. >> Um, like I said, the hoodie guy come up to me. I was going to toss >> You haven't told me anything yet, so Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, I Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I I need to hear from you. What What What's >> So, the hoodie guy comes up to [music] me, says, "Hey, you happen to have some things." I'm like, "Yeah, just I have some, but I have other work to do, but just give me a second and I can pursue that. Just kind of go from there." Make a transaction for him. comes up, load up his tires, and then Yeah. >> You want me to like give you like a whole breakdown or >> You remember when I said that if I'm going to ask you a question, it's because I already know the answers, right? >> Yeah. >> So, don't Okay. >> Okay. >> So, once again, tell me detail by detail what happened other than some random hoodie guy cuz we knew it wasn't a random hoodie guy. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> So, let's not play me. [music] All right. I just didn't start this job yesterday, son. >> All right then. Um, I think I don't want to make any statements. [music] >> Okay. All right. Well, um, stand up. Put your hand behind your back. You're going to be placed under arrest. Turn your hand. [music] Turn your wrist. There you go. Don't want to make it tight on you. All right. >> Yeah. >> The suspect, Ryan, was placed in handcuffs since he refused to make a statement. Most likely the reason he stayed so quiet was that they knew he was guilty already and he didn't want to make a pointless confession. He knew he was going to be fired and arrested anyway. So instead, he opted for a silent surrender. >> All right. >> Do you have any weapons on you? Anything like that? Knives, guns, needles, anything that'll poke me? >> No. >> All right. >> That's the phone. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did you drive here? >> Yes, I drove here. >> Okay. What keys do you have? Where's your keys? >> The keys are in the shop. >> What kind of vehicle is Uh 23 Ford Mustang. >> Okay. All right. >> It's parked here. >> So, I'm sure they can um they'll leave your vehicle parked here. >> Okay. That's fine. >> All right. Okay. >> Are those their glasses? Their work glasses? >> Yeah. Yeah, the work glasses. >> Okay. I'm going to Hey guys, this is uh or not? >> His work glasses for you guys. >> All right. You got them? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. This way. >> Um hey, just um secure them in your vehicle. I'm going just talk to them real quick. >> All right. So, what did he divulge to you guys? >> So, he admit Price overriding the tires. Okay. >> But he [music] he's stating that he don't think that he did anything bad. >> Okay. That day he pretty much remembered everything up until the point of >> tires. It was his own truck. >> Yeah. Remember that. >> Yeah. Well, the truck comes back to his mom >> was Flores. Um >> did you guys see that the credit card that he used was [music] his? It came back to him. So he he he declined. >> He's like, "Oh, I don't remember. I have to check my statements, my text messages." >> So when we got to the credit card piece and the vehicle piece, he [music] that's when he starts saying, "You don't remember." >> Well, he knows. That's why I told him I I looked at him. Don't don't sit there. I'm not even going to waste my time listening to your lies. >> They arrested Brian, but he was charged with felony grand theft. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail and 10 years probation. With a sentence that light, a thief like this one will probably strike again. On September 17th, 2024, the cops responded to a Sketcher store due to reports of an [music] employee stealing product. >> Uh, so what's going on? >> Uh, so it was brought to my attention that there was a [music] suspicious returns taking place at another store, West Palm Beach Military Trail. Um, they have cameras. [music] So I was able to lock into the system and validate that she was falsifying returns >> in West Palm. >> West Palm Beach and here. So she started over there from August to her last day there. Came over here, helped them with the new store opening, with the shipment. [music] Store has been open since Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, we have fraud taking place as well >> at the other store >> here. >> Here. >> Yeah. So it's been open for 3 days. Two days of which already have fraud linked to it. >> Me and Helen, my auditor, came down because this is our domain. This is what we do. I talked [music] to her, see what's going on. And she explained everything. She's having some difficulty with her mortgage. and that's where the money was lost. >> The loss prevention employee explained that the woman worked at another Sketchers location outside of her current jurisdiction and was pulling the same scam there as well. At this new location, which had only been open for 3 days, she was already falsifying returns. If she was trying to avoid getting caught stealing, it wasn't the best move. >> So, as far as what happened in Gardens, what do you have? So 914 and 9:15. [music] These are the returns that took place here. This is why the invoice numbers are so small because the store [music] is brand new. This was verified by our district manager. So he was the one that identified that they're all missing in [music] the inventory. These are the ones from West Palm Beach. All on camera. >> All these? [music] >> Yep. I have a flash drive with everything on it that I'll give to where we're going to give to. But the amount that we're talking about related to you would be these numbers here. I can put some math together if it makes it easier. So, you know, it's not going to be >> it's going to be below 750. >> Um, do me a favor. Raise your right hand for me. You swear and affirm everything you told me is the truth and not the mother truth. Okay. Do you have your ID on you? >> Yes. >> So, how was she how was she doing it? >> We have customer sales shortly after that. Conduct the return as if they were coming back to return the items. >> So, she would she would conduct the sale. They would leave with their merchandise. >> Five minutes later, an hour later, >> five minutes and an hour later, she would >> process >> process it like a refund. And how did she how did she get money out of this? >> Well, if the c the system thinks that a legitimate return is happening until pop open, receipt will print until close. She would pocket the cash. >> The loss prevention employee said there were no cameras in the store, but he did present some documents to prove that she was in fact stealing from the store. At this point, the only thing left to do was to confront the suspect whose name was McKenzie. >> Everything you wrote down is what you wrote on that on that paper that you showed me. >> Huh? I can't hear you. [snorts] >> Yeah. >> H >> everything that's >> what? >> You never said yes. So that what the statement that you said you wrote. That's not you. >> [snorts] >> that you have the pen sitting right in front of you. Just be honest with me. People make mistakes. You realize we're talking to you over here. By the way, he's asking the question, did you? >> Yes, I do realize that we're talking. [music] >> Okay. So, you don't have to stare at me. Don't look at him. >> I'm just looking Did Did you write the statement or not? >> Yes, I wrote the state. >> You wrote the statement. So everything on the statement is true. >> Why' you do it? >> Because I had some issues. >> Okay. Yeah, that's all I'm asking. It's for just to be honest. That's all. >> Oh, I know why. Yes. >> So, you have some, you know, some financial things that you So, you So, to help with that, you were doing the refund and I'm curious on how you actually did it. I would like to further [music] question. >> Okay. >> As far as her answers went, she was being incredibly elusive and very defensive. What she was doing was pointless as they already had a confession and everything she'd stolen had already been documented. Since she refused to speak further with the officer, he placed her in handcuffs. I'm >> going to take a walk downstairs. Okay. Can I just say one thing before I got the job at this point in time? [snorts] >> So you're going to be trespassing me for 18 months, too. Okay. Gardens Bravo 43. >> Clearly, for this criminal behavior, she'd face hefty repercussions. Getting fired from your job, arrested, and trespassed from your job all in the same day is a pretty big pill to swallow. Next, she was taken downstairs to be further searched. >> How do [music] you use this before? So if I test this, it's not going to come back. >> Sure. >> Test it in the car. >> It's not going to come back from >> I'm sorry. >> You don't do it anymore. >> Okay. So what's >> you have you drink a mini drink with this one? >> No. [music] What do you use this one? >> You don't know? [snorts and clears throat] >> I just want >> I've been doing this a long time. >> What's in here? >> No. And based on my training experience, those are snoring. >> You have stuff in your wallet. What do you have? I'm sorry. In front of them outside. >> Yeah. Absolutely. Appreciate the honest. >> Yeah. Safety concern. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> While she didn't admit to using other narcotics with the straw, she admitted to having in her wallet. That gave the cops a pretty good clue as to why she [music] was really stealing. They arrested the woman and she was later charged with scheme to defraud. On October 11th, 2024, the cops responded to a Nordstrom location due to reports of an employee stealing various merchandise totaling a hefty amount. >> Hi. >> Hi. So, this you guys know the recording right now. >> Okay. >> Um, so this is Aora. Um, she is one of our employees. We've been watching her for quite some time. Um, and she has taken from us. Here's a list of everything that she has stolen. um throughout the course of a few weeks is uh $2,2545. She's currently wearing one of our items underneath her clothing. It's a blue romper. >> Okay. >> Um >> how do you know that? >> Uh because she admitted to it. I asked her, "Where is the romper?" Cuz we have the ticket and it's underneath the clothing right now. >> Okay. Um, so yeah, [music] this is items that she took today and then these are just items that she's taken throughout the week. Uh, shoes and and things like that. >> Okay. [music] >> Um, obviously we are going to need to get that back. Obviously, we have to step up. >> Yeah. Um, and you said you have everything recorded. >> Yeah. >> Okay. The suspect, Aurora, stole over $2,000 worth of items in the course of just a few weeks. It was unclear how she managed to do it, so the officer interviewed her to find out the woman's motus operandi. >> Oh, that's your first name, right? >> Okay. You speak English? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, you understand English? >> I do. >> Okay. I'm just going to read you something. Okay. If you can just look up so I know that you're understanding. You have the right to remain silent, not answer any questions. Any statement you make must be freely and voluntarily given. You have the right to the presence and representation of a lawyer of your choice before you make any statements [music] and during any questioning. If you can't afford an lawyer, you are entitled to the presence and representation of a courtappointed lawyer before you make any statement and during any questioning. If at any time during the interview you do not wish to answer any questions, you are privileged to remain silent. I can make no threats or promises to induce you to make the statement. This must be of your own free will. Any statement can and will be used against you in the court of law. Do you understand what I just read to you? Okay. So, do you want to explain like what what's been going on or what happened? >> I I don't understand you. My my husband left me after 40 seconds. >> Can you look up just so I can hear you? Go ahead. >> I said this is crazy because I never did this in my whole life. My husband left me [music] after 40 something years and I think I got I don't know. >> So what did you do? >> From time to time I I I took something and I I I give it to people. >> Okay. So >> make a gift to make me feel good, I guess. >> She opened her statement up with a sob story about her husband. She was trying to get the officer sympathy, but it wasn't going to work. She then switched her story, saying she took things to give to people to make herself feel better, but it contradicted the fact that she was wearing some of the merchandise she stole. >> So, what do you take from here? >> Yeah. >> What items do you like? What type of stuff? It >> doesn't matter. >> It doesn't matter. >> No, just to give away. >> Who do you sell it to? >> I didn't sell anything. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, do you have you have an ID by any chance? >> Sure. It's over there. How long have you been taking items for? >> Like 10 days. >> 10 days. How long have you worked here for? >> Six nights. >> And when did you start taking stuff? >> Like like I [music] said, like 9 10 days ago. >> For 10 days. Okay. Now, what are you wearing underneath that? They >> Oh, no. I have here. I can take it off. >> Is whose is that? Nornstrom's. Okay. >> Have you ever been um arrested before? Never been arrested in your life? >> No. This is This is your first time. >> Okay. Over 10 days, you said? >> Yeah. >> And who do you give the items to? >> I don't know, but I just want to make somebody happy. Strangely, the suspect said that she didn't know the people who she quote unquote was gifting the items to. It was pretty remarkable and also unbelievable because if it really were true, she was risking her safety to give high-end gifts to strangers. >> Are you working with anybody like with these items to make extra cash on the side? >> Do you know the people that you're giving it to, or do you just random like somebody just walking around that you've never met before? I go to my with my dogs in the park and >> you just hand >> talk with people. No, I just hand talk to people and >> hand [music] them close. >> I don't sick. >> You're sick, >> I guess. So, >> so you don't the stuff that you're giving out, you don't even know these people. >> No, >> but I see how happy they are. leggings. You just hand random people leggings. >> It's not regular leggings. They socks like >> panty hose. >> Yeah, >> you just random people panty hoes. >> No, that doesn't make sense, doesn't it? And I did. I think I need to see a doctor. >> For what [music] reason? >> For what I did. >> H >> for what I did. >> For what you did, >> I guess so. because it's abnormal. >> At that point, the cops clearly weren't buying the woman's Robin Hood story. There must be another reason she was stealing, even if it turned out she was just a kleptomaniac. The cops continued their investigation, focusing their attention on the evidence. >> All the sound pretty like this is all the items that you've taken. >> I signed I don't know. I signed. You did sign. Okay. Okay. >> What do you do with all the gift sets? >> More gift. [snorts] >> Where do you find like where did you find the boxes? Just on the floor. >> So for this here, these this this one. for like most of them. They were just tossed out. >> This is your clear purse, right? >> Yeah. >> This is yours? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> After asking her about her loot, the cop sat the woman down in front of the surveillance videos and got the woman to confirm her actions. The footage showed her putting high-end items in her purse and carrying the purse out of the store. She said she didn't want to talk to anyone, so the only thing left to do was arrest her. >> All right, go ahead. Stand up for me. Turn around. Turn around. Yep. I check her. >> Go ahead. Have a seat. >> Is your phone on? Will I feel it ring? >> Yes, it's on. >> It is on. Can you put the props in the front? >> I cannot. >> Oh, >> are you pregnant? >> No. >> Okay. >> They charged Aurora with retail theft over $750. As there's no way the story was plausible, she probably had co-conspirators working with her in the scheme. Hopefully the cops catch up with them and arrest them as well. On the 1st of August 2024 in Palm Coast, Florida, the cops responded to an AutoZone store regarding an employee there conducting fraud. They were pulling a complicated scheme involving car batteries. When the officers arrived, they found the suspect in the parking lot. That's why I leave. >> He said I could go without a man. >> What happened? I think I lost people and [laughter] we was doing like if I do a person I got used to him coming so I kept sometimes he would come out instead of him wait back he would be like hey man I'm going to put my battery in the car, spraying the money and I told him straight up like this is crazy if I go in the reg and just walk out the door. So I put it in my pocket. He would give me5 $10 every time we go and that's I told him they will show they show me put it in my pocket inside the store but I'm like where's the picture of me outside the store? We can't show you that or we don't have that. So, I'm like, "Well, that's only one side of the [laughter] problem." But I told him, "Man, I y'all doing they doing their job. It's It's no hard." >> The suspect introduced himself and explained to the officers that AutoZone had called them to arrest him for theft. He said a man kept returning car batteries and telling him to keep some of the refund simply as a tip. However, it seemed more like a story he made up before the cops could talk to management to make him look innocent. >> Watch the original lawn. Okay. U manager. So the gentleman that's sitting outside probably in his bench. >> Yeah. >> Um while he was working for us, he completed these product refunds of the parts. He returned them for that dollar amount. >> And then um I called the customer. Customer said they didn't do a return and he took the money. I have it all in color and kept the money and put it in his pocket. >> Okay. >> This young lady, she's already gone. Um but I like the charges, but I can do that, [clears throat] you know, at a later date. >> Yeah. and she spent the money with him on that transaction. Okay. >> But I have multiple transactions where he did it. Um that's his name. Heywood Jordan. >> So the person would come in for a refund, you give him the refund money and you would just put it in their pocket instead of >> So the customer would come in like for example a battery went out on their car that came in and they'd have the battery on the warranty. >> So in reality, we're just supposed to give them a different battery. >> Yeah. >> So he wouldn't give them a he would give them a different battery but not run it through the system and only do a return. Like let's say if he came in and said, "Hey, I don't I don't want your battery. I want to go to advance." >> So just give me my money back. So in reality, he should have given the money back. But when he did, he let him take our battery and then pocket the money. >> Okay. >> Among thieving employees, it seems to be a popular scheme. After initiating the exchange, instead of returning the cash to the customer, he'd pocket the cash instead and give the customer a new battery. >> So it was multiple different people. It wasn't the same person. But but the other ones he showed I told him it wasn't adding up because the the last I did that I'm aware of. I said all you had to do is call and verify. It's basically that easy. But I don't I don't know if that was done because if it was done it would have been acknowledged that it was an actual juror. But the main dude, the main dude that I've been talking about the whole time is the same person that was >> Did they show you the video and pictures and stuff of you have like putting the money in your pocket? >> I told him I didn't deny that because I said like I've been saying and they can they can approve what I'm saying. I said, "Yeah, I I I should have did that. That might make it look fishy, but I met him right there." So y'all showing me putting it in my pocket right here. >> Like what's the what's the benefit of bringing it out here rather than just putting in the rest? Like I I like I said, I shouldn't have called [music] on it to that too because most likely he felt like I was getting target and he he he started the routine because they even know I don't know this person outside of Autoone. Maybe he he started a routine and act like I was easy lick. I mean I'm probably licking target. So then and he come on the regular what there's four five times that may not be the exact number but I just say four five times what he would do the refine but hey I'm going fix this on my [music] car just bring me the money and the receipt. >> Our suspect here continued to imply that he was just a victim of the customer who kept returning the batteries. However, the store manager had very clear evidence that it was from multiple different customers. Even if he was helping the same customer repeatedly, it was still suspicious that he pocketed the money before taking it out to the customer. >> Where is the money? I'm just I'm curious because if they Okay, so if they bring in an old battery and they return it for a new battery was been returned, but they said it was no financial spot because they see me put the money in my pocket, but not showing the video. They didn't discuss the video. What I'm saying is I don't understand where the money is coming from in in general. Like if he if someone comes in with this and says I want to return this and you give them a new battery and they walk away, where's the money? >> That's only under warranty swap. >> That's only on warranty swap. So you can if your battery under warranty, you can either get a warranty swap for a new battery or you can get a full refund. Either or. It's whichever one needs you. But if you no no longer want that battery because it's a piece of battery. Most people don't want their money back like we >> so they get a refund and then they go and buy a different >> they can but not that's that's just up to them. But that that's an option but you have an option to get a warranty swap for a new battery or you realize I don't know battery just a piece of he get you full refund and go to Walmart and buy whatever do whatever whatever you choose to do with the money. So it's either or. But you but you said he was coming out here to put a new battery in the car. >> So he must have purchased one from here. >> Under warranty. Yeah. Because for anything to be returned, you either got to have a receipt or a warranty. So once I go once you bring me your battery and get a knowledge that your battery is under warranty and can be swapped or returned, that's the only way we can go to the next process. >> The female officer raised a good point. When you're exchanging a battery, you either get a refund or a new battery, but you don't get both. So, the man's story about the guy putting a replacement battery in his car while asking for his refund to be brought out really made no sense. The cops were starting to catch on to the fact that this guy wasn't telling the truth. >> That's a report that I utilized that tells me um cash transactions and that's not >> Was it all batteries or is it a a variety of things? >> It was all batteries that I have on video. I didn't have video. So five batteries were the cash for five batteries was kept. >> Yes sir. >> Okay. Of which is a total how much is each battery? >> Uh they're they're varied. So each transaction >> it'll be electronic journal for the dollar amount for them. >> So it'll be the total amount is here. >> Yes sir. >> So it's battery number one. >> And then that's some screen you know it. And then the next one will be the same way of information, [clears throat] but this is all on different dates that each battery was taking. >> Yes, sir. >> Same thing. And then the dates will be in the bottom. >> Yeah. I don't know if he's like genuinely confused or if he's [clears throat] um I interviewed him a couple months ago [snorts] back in April. >> I didn't have cameras in here, so he his way out of there saying nothing to do. And then today when I talked to him, he was lying first time. >> Yeah. >> And it changed. >> Yeah. >> While the officer filled out paperwork and reviewed more evidence, the manager revealed that the employee had a history of theft there, but up till now, they couldn't prove it due to a lack of video evidence. Allegedly, there had been five fake refunds totaling $943. And because of the dollar amount and everything like that, unfortunately, we have to take you down. Okay. So, you just turn around for me real quick and I I'll let you turn around for me and then we'll we'll handle this. Put your hand back together. >> I get you. You'll use it for the entire wallet or something. >> They charged the man with grand theft and he was booked into Flaggler County Jail. Later in September, he pled no contest and signed a pre-trial intervention with the state, saying he had to stay out of trouble for 2 years and pay restitution to the AutoZone. On the 16th of November 2024, the cops were dispatched to a local restaurant after reports of a woman driving without a license. However, there was another crime she'd committed and the cops were in for a surprise. >> Who just walked through the door? Are you in? >> Yes. >> Come with me outside. >> Thank you. Do you have your ID on you >> and your driver's license? >> Do you have a license? >> How did you get to work? >> I drove All right. Hold on. Don't go nowhere. >> Let's go to your car. You have any weapons on you or anything? >> No guns, knives, bombs, anything crazy. We're going to >> Yeah, it's going [music] to be Florida tag alpha x-ray 43 uniform kilo uh white explorer. It even tells you why don't you have a license? >> Uh, it's been suspend uh suspended. >> I'll go look it up, but just tell me. >> Yeah, from Jersey. >> The woman here, Ann, didn't exactly have an excuse for why she was driving on a suspended license. And it was doubly bold of her to drive all the way to Florida from New Jersey without one. The original officer walked away, but another cop took his place to question her. >> What happened? >> I'm uh I'm in work. You came in to get me at work. What? I don't I don't know. >> Getting a license. >> Oh, is that why y'all stopping me? I was inside already. Please. >> Oh, watch you pull up driving. You know, it doesn't matter. >> Sir, we were evicted the other day. We're at an Airbnb. I need [music] to work. >> You evicted from the storm? No, it's my own personal stuff. >> This is my job. >> Okay. Well, I mean, we can see. Have you had any uh tickets recently? >> Uh, no. >> How long's your license been? No good. >> Have you ever had a license? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I mean, my daughter has her license. >> Yeah. >> Is that Is this her car? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What's your license suspended for? >> I don't even remember now. It's from Jersey. >> Are you still living at this address on your ID? >> No, he's just telling the officer uh we got uh infected. So, we're at an Airbnb right now. >> Gotcha. [snorts] >> Where's the Airbnb at? >> Uh overlook >> Overbrook. Yeah. The suspect said that their stay at the Airbnb was not going to be a long-term arrangement and she was looking for a long-term place as she'd been recently evicted for personal reasons. It sounded like she was in a tough situation, but as she was clearly breaking the law, the cops had to arrest her. >> Yeah, we're just waiting for >> Why am I being arrested? [music] >> You got no license driving. Please, I can't. [sighs] >> Put your knuckles together. >> Oh my god. >> You said you have a family member that can come get the car. >> Yeah. >> Do you know their number or you need it out of your phone? >> Uh, I need uh I got hit. >> No knives or weapons or anything, right? >> No. [snorts] >> Use the back of my hand to pat your pockets down. >> [snorts] >> Somehow, the woman really thought she was going to get away that easily. With just a little resistance from her, the cops thought things would be quick and easy. But little did they know, she wasn't just driving on a suspended and she'd done something a 100 times worse. It's a lot of cash. >> It's a lot of cash. >> How was she? >> Yeah. >> All right. Uh, she's got a little wallet purse on the passenger seat. Got a stack of cash in it. And then she had what, two bundles of cash. Okay. >> Yeah. >> The cops wanted to know why she had all that money if she was just going to work. After meandizing the woman, they went over to the side of the vehicle to question her further. So, I'm here to talk to you about your employment here with how long you [music] >> was it something else before you did the restaurant before the name. Do you have any idea why I would be speaking with you? Okay. What what days do you typically work? >> Uh Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. >> Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Are those full eight hours? What is your waitress? How much do you make [music] being a waitress here? >> Is that told the cops she'd been a longtime employee at the Home Plate restaurant. 5 years was enough, of course, to have a stable salary and she might have saved up a bit of cash. However, the detective called on to something that Anne didn't want her to find out. >> Have you ever taken any chang that's what we need? explain if you're not going to be honest with me. [screaming] So my next question, how do you explain [screaming] items that you have just in the last year compared to your workers which are very significant. So your coworkers only had about $1,200. Yours are in $15,000. What's that [music] explanation? How do you explain that? >> Honesty is important, right? >> I've already I [music] already talked to everyone I know the answers to a lot of the questions I'm asking. Why I'm asking you, okay, there's documentation, okay? There's there's highly discussed reports The cop was trying to find out, rather desperately, [music] in fact, why the woman was taking money from the restaurant. It was clear she'd stolen money, but she [music] wouldn't tell the cop why she did it. The cop tried to reassure the woman that it didn't make her a bad person, but ultimately Anne was asking for a lawyer before she'd give anything up. >> Um, so you said earlier that your your license [music] was suspended up in Jersey. >> Yeah. >> What for do you remember? >> I'm sorry. >> What four [music] do you remember? >> I don't. I'm sorry. Was it like tickets, DUI? >> Uh, not DUI. >> Or was it like child support or something like that? >> There's got to be something that you did or something happened. >> Just give me an idea. >> I think not going to court. >> So, you missed a court date and they suspended it. Okay. >> Um, and then you try, have you tried to get one down in Florida? >> Uh, yeah. [music] >> And they say what? >> I got to uh >> fix that one. New Jersey. >> Interesting. All right. So, you know, you can't be driving without a license on the air, right? It's criminal. >> Um, how often [music] you drive? >> I'm sorry. >> How often are you driving? Cuz that's bad news. If you get in a crash and heaven forbid someone gets hurt, um, >> that's bad. >> Just work. >> Whose car is it? >> Uh, my daughter's. >> Why don't [music] you just get her to drop you off? Clearly, she doesn't need the car right now. She could just be driving and drop, >> right? Um, man, [music] she's got twins. We We just been going through a lot. Oh, so she >> I'm just trying to make it easier. >> Got mama [music] duties right now home that way. >> Okay. >> Upon further investigation, the cops found out she'd stolen 57 grand from her employer. In the end, she was charged with driving on a suspended license, paraphernalia, and fraud. It's unfortunate, of course, that she fell on tough times, but it doesn't excuse her stealing. On the 11th of April 2024, the cops were dispatched to a City Trend store after the manager picked up on an unusual amount of returns happening. The returns happen to be an employees scheme to steal cash from the business. >> Did you guys call? >> Okay. [laughter] Hey, what's going on? So, young lady's in there. Young lady right here. Where you going? >> For what? >> Ma'am. Ma'am. H radio. I got uh one out with me walking away from seeing her. >> Ma'am, would you stop? >> Stop. >> There was no question the woman was guilty as she took off from the scene as soon as she realized the cop was there to investigate her. The cop knew it might be a long chase, so he pulled out his taser, trying to get the suspect to stop running. >> You're going to get tased. NOT GOING TO FEEL GOOD. GET ON THE GROUND NOW. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Lay down. Lay down. Arms out to the side now. >> ARMS OUT TO THE SIDE NOW. SHOW ME YOUR other hand. >> I'm going to tase you. Stop. [music] >> Back. For just one officer, it was a really impressive chase. The suspect seemed dead set on getting away before she got caught. With the suspect secured in handcuffs, it was safe for the cop to call for backup. Clearly, the cop would need help with the rest of the investigation. But first, they had to get the suspect in the squad car, which was no easy feat. >> Knees to your chest. Do it now. >> Bring them up to your chest, please. [laughter] Thank you. >> Everything that's happening is being recorded here. Take this off the car. Um pat her down. She got up there practice. >> I run 6 miles a day. I don't know where you thought you were going. >> With the suspect secured, now the officer could get back to his investigation. First up, he talked to the city trend store manager, getting the entire rundown, including the suspect's methods. >> Sorry about that. I tried to get I was trying to say, but so what I >> Yeah, but I like to know what's going on before. >> No, no, no. That's what I was I was trying to get it out quick enough, but I thought >> Here's what I know. The dispatch told me that [music] I'm here for a fraud. So, what's going on? >> I'm about to give it to you. Are >> you the manager? >> The regional manager. >> Regional manager. Okay. So, gotcha. [music] So, let's walk back there. >> Yeah. Do you want to take that stuff with you? >> No. Okay. >> Sorry. >> Okay. I mean, I caught her in the [music] Dave's parking lot. >> The crazy part, I'm like, "I'm in shape. Should I run?" And I'm like, "Ah, you got it." >> Yeah. I don't know where she thought she was going. >> I was wondering that, too. I don't think she had a plan. She was just nothing. So, anyway, so, uh, I'm the regional loss prevention manager. >> Okay. Uh, you in the store and I noticed they had a large amount of returns. >> This story? >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, I'm like, that's awkward, you know, with all the reporting. >> So, something abnormal versus >> Absolutely. An exception. It's exception based reporting. Got. But it came back that she had uh $5,000 in returns and >> he did herself employee. >> Yes, she's an employee in 30 days. >> So as I watch footage, thank you. Thank you for both. I appreciate you. Actually, can you just stand right there by my stuff? >> Um, so anyway, long story short, I drilled down to her specific and I noticed all holders were cash. Watched it on video. >> Cool. >> What do you mean all hers were cash? What do you mean by >> I forgot you're not in retail? According to the regional loss prevention manager, the suspect would either take [music] merchandise to the front of the store, initiating a fake return or reprint the receipts from sales and make the return like that. After every false return, the employee took money out of the cash register and put it in his pocket. >> So anyway, uh so I came here to >> and this was over the course of about 30 days. Yeah. >> How long you been an employee? >> I don't know. I got to pull an employee file. >> Do you anticipate more than what you discovered already? Ah, I'm not going to be be able to validate it though. Okay. I only got >> But you can validate at least a month of that. >> The 2100. Yeah. I'll be able to admit for the 2100 and I got the transactions. Um, but [music] anyway, so I came here for a visit and the acting store manager was like, "She's actually here or the acting district manager." I said, "Perfect." >> Which that young lady that just pulled over here, Susan, she's going to be the PLC. >> Okay. Um, anyway, so I looked on video, validated everything and just pulled her in and talked to her and she cracked in like 5 minutes. It went from I don't know what you're talking about. Then you give details and it was I'm behind on rent and I had to pay for a baby. She saying I hear all this. >> My dispatch said something about she was working on a statement. [music] Is that >> Yeah. So she wrote a statement >> saying that she did X Y and Z. >> I'm sorry I did it because blah blah blah. So that's what she was making copies for you. She also signed a restitution payment saying I'm going to pay city trans back, but it's just another admission of your guilt. As for the thieving employee, he'd already made a written statement, essentially an admission of guilt before the cop even got there. She also said she'd pay the store back for what she stole. However, it was strange she still ran from them, as if she somehow thought she'd get away with her crime. >> Today, just out of curiosity, she obviously got up and walked out and then turned into a little bit of a jog. >> Mhm. >> What happened? >> Fastpaced jog. pretty fast stage drop. >> Um, what uh did anything happen inside the room? Did she make any threats or any? >> No, it was calm with me. >> Okay. What? Uh, and then she pretty much did she indicate to you that she was going to leave when I got here? >> No. >> That just spur a moment. >> So, we didn't hear. So, once the other girl say the police are here, somebody that's when she was like, >> that's why I tried to beat her out the door to tell you >> you were trying to hand Was it your bag that you were trying to hand me or hers? No, I watch your bag, you know. >> No, you had a bag in your hand when you first came out that door. You had >> That's my virtual zipping up. >> Gotcha. I thought I got to be honest. I was like getting ready to like I thought you were like about to hand it to me. I was like I don't know what's going on. >> No, you're good. >> Okay. Um if you could do me a favor in the meantime, can I get your ID >> and then I'm going to list you as the regional loss prevention manager for City Trends? >> Yep. And Susan, which is the district manager, she's going to be your PC though. >> Okay. Well, I beyond this [music] beyond this, we're I I have nothing further beyond this. If the uh like pretty much what you told me and what you're giving me plus what I just had happen, >> I'm the initial report taker. >> I won't be uh doing any further investigation beyond what you're providing me. I would forward it to the infected bureau. >> Got you. [music] >> The cop told the loss prevention manager that he already had enough evidence to arrest her. He got the manager's personal information, sat down with the store manager to get the written statements and at the same time debriefed another officer. >> What the >> That's her uh a crappy badly written statement of a mission and her decision for which I've been to. >> Why would the name >> um interesting? Would you mind putting a dollar amount of what exactly? cuz she she did uh she wrote that in here. >> 40 $40 if I was search [music] $2,14069. >> Yes, sir. 2147. >> And this is my copy to keep. >> Yeah, those I could we got copies of everything. >> Gotcha. >> They arrested the woman, but her charges were unclear. Most likely it was resisting arrest, a charge for fraud, and also a charge for fleeing police. Hopefully after this little scheme, she could never get a job in retail again because she'd probably keep stealing. Today, we've seen some of the most shameless employee thieves from all over the country. From battery schemes at AutoZone shoe store employees fueling [music] their addictions to women siphoning thousands of dollars from a small business, it's good they were all caught red-handed.