WV Walmart employee nabbed in theft scheme www.privateofficer.com
Robert Wayne Wise, 22, of Moundsville was arrested earlier this month and charged with six counts of embezzlement and one count of fraudulent schemes. According to the criminal complaint, the Moundsville Police Department was notified in September of the thefts by a Walmart asset protection manager.
That manager told police that Wise and two others allegedly stole a number of items from the store with Wise using his position as an employee to aid the theft. The criminal complaint states the two males, identified as Jerry Lucas and Robert Harmon, would gather items from throughout the store and take them to Wise’s register. Wise would then “under-ring” the items.
“That means he wouldn’t actually scan them but would put them in a bag,” the complaint states, adding Wise also removed any security devices from items.
Wise was taken to the Moundsville Police Department for questioning. Lucas was also interviewed and produced two items stolen from the store. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from Walmart, which allegedly shows Lucas and Harmon putting items in a cart before checking out at Wise’s register.
Wise and Lucas both allegedly confirmed their involvement in the incident, while Harmon was not questioned by police.
The complaint states the total value of merchandise taken in these incidents is $1,646.32. Wise was arraigned by Marshall County Magistrate William Anderson and posted $2,500 bond. A preliminary hearing date is set for Friday. Harmon and Lucas may also face grand larceny charges for their involvement in the case.
