You didn't do that. So why would the video footage show you doing that? >> Every workplace runs on one simple thing. Trust. >> Believe it or not, I I I I do feel bad for what I did. >> Why you took it? >> Since [music] I've been needing money and >> But sometimes the real thief isn't the shopper. It's the person behind the counter. >> I'm willing to pay back everything. >> Do you have any money to bond yourself out of jail or anything? >> No, but you can leave it in here. Our first story starts with a Target manager caught red-handed on the job. >> Right there into the right part. >> When do I get to speak to a lawyer? >> Um, that will be after processing. >> On August 1st, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Florida, a Target employee had just been promoted to store manager. But before her very first shift was even over, one unexpected decision turned a career milestone into a full-blown criminal investigation. And this is where the story begins. for short every day then >> yeah the shortage was there. >> Okay. >> How were you aware made aware of this? >> So I'm made aware of this every time a team member opens their registry drawer >> and it flags in the system it's not for sale. >> Um and as well as I review the closing cash that's happening during closing. I review all of our closing cash operations regularly. Um while I was reviewing we were missing a cash bag, an entire bag. Um, and [snorts] we were trying to find out where it went. So, I'm like, "All right, I'm just going to start making a video on the and on the 20th I found that both bags were put there, but then I watch this team number go over to another register that register >> and can see the cash. I'll show you that initial video, but this is the one I clicked on first. There's our team number there." And I have a better picture of shot than coincide. You're good. You're good. They coincide time wise, but this this is a nice clear zoomed in with the top shot. Okay. Can you pause it for a second? Yes. Um, so we're here just reviewing video real quick. It's closer. >> Can you just make sure she doesn't try to walk out? >> All right. >> She's probably going to be a 15 cursor. >> So, we're looking at ones, fives, tens, 20s, 50s, and hundreds are in the last right. It's a a little bit more video cuz I got the whole process. But >> so you combine the 50s and hundreds in the far right. >> Mhm. Is >> that how every register is supposed to be? >> That's standard. Yeah. >> Target surveillance system does more than just record video. It's directly connected to the POSOS system, automatically flagging any cash drawer that opens without a transaction. And there was one thing Janine clearly underestimated. 4K cameras don't care about job titles. on top of it. Puts the remainder of the money in the bag. Those are coupons that are manufact. >> Okay. >> She then rebanks the register with the money that's supposed to go in there. All the way left. Place the bag on top. That's standard. Places that bag into the cart. And then she comes back and retrieves both her phone and the money that's underneath the right there into the right part. This is her going over to that same register. It's just a different camera angle. So you can see that it's positive identification of her doing it. >> Are these 360 cams? Is that how you're able to move it or >> I can move only certain cameras. They are 360. Um I was live here watching this from my office. Okay. >> That's how I was able to zoom in and get that real clear clean clear shot. >> But this is a similar video. You can kind of see her do it here, but the top one's the best one. It's just another angle. >> Okay. So, is this common for her to go from register to register to take the money out, put it in the bag, and bring it to you guys, or is it >> We have a team member that typically does it. Um whether it's it's her, another team member, the typical practice, they go register, register, take the money out, put it in the bags, put it in this cart, and it locks into the cart and your cash. >> This is what she was assigned to do that at that at that point. >> Banks. I'm going to review cash. I was actually looking for a missing bag. One of these green bags was missing. So, I'm like reviewing days worth of video trying to find a bag. Still haven't found it. Um, and then I saw her do this on one of the the camera shots I was looking at. I'll show you which one that is. That's on the 20th at 10:30 or 10:24 p.m. >> I was just curious. >> Yeah. No, it's it's really cool that it logs that way. So, like even if someone was doing this on like a regular transaction like cash line, we'd be able to see it then, too. >> Do you think she had something to do with that bag? >> I can't prove it. Um, but >> okay. >> It went missing. And >> highdefin 360° cameras captured the entire sequence of events with evidence that clear. Every explanation the manager offered afterward sounded less like a defense and more like an awkward attempt to pretend nothing had happened. My >> name's Officer Kelly. I work for West Palm Beach Police Department. I'm sure you're aware of why we're here because they told me that they had already spoken to you about it. >> Yeah, I don't know. >> Okay. Um, but first off, before I start, I have to read you your rights. It doesn't mean you're under arrest. It just something I have to do before I ask you any questions. Okay. Have you ever heard of the Miranda warnings? >> Okay. I'm going to read them to you after each one that I read to you. I just need you to give me a verbal yes or no if you understand it. If you don't understand it, I'll go ahead and explain it to you. Okay. >> All right. You have the right to remain silent, not answer any questions. You understand that? All right. So, as I spoke to your colleagues there, um, they basically are in the >> they're accusing you of taking in unknown amount of money at this point. Um, somewhere close to the range of $1,400. Do you know anything about this at all? No. >> Okay. Um, how long have you worked here for? >> Almost three years. >> Okay. And you've had no other issues like this within the last three years. Correct. Um I noticed on camera that you were uh responsible for going from register to register and taking the money out of the drawer. Is that a common practice of yours? >> Okay. And what is included in that practice? What what do you do? Can you explain to me? >> So I am taking the money from the day out and putting new money for the next day. >> Okay. And when you take the money out, do you count it or anything like that? So you just >> So how would you take it out of the drawer? >> Take it out, put in the red or green bag, and then put the next bag into the >> Okay. So you basically just go from each money slot, pull it out, place it in a bag, don't look at it or anything. >> Right. >> I fix it up if I need to. But >> so if it's out of order or something, you'll you'll fix it up. Okay. >> Would there be any reason why you would roll up money? >> No. >> Okay. So you wouldn't roll it in to any kind of like money roll and then put a rubber band over it or anything? >> No. >> Okay. So, when I was watching the video footage, it's pretty clear that it was that it's what you were doing is rolling it into a money roll, placing a rubber band over it, and then placing it on top of the desk. Why would you be doing that? >> You didn't do that. >> The moment she realized there was video evidence, her strategy shifted immediately. Instead of explaining the behavior, she began questioning the accuracy of the footage itself. It's a familiar reaction when reality is undeniable, but accountability comes with a steep price. >> Why would the video footage show you doing that? >> You see where I'm at here, right? I'm watching a video footage that's unedited from the department store who has no reason to accuse you of this. >> I don't know if it's unedited, but I have never done anything like that. >> Okay. >> Is there anything else you'd like to add to this? >> All right. Co-workers, I'm going to be taking you to jail tonight. Is there anything on your person that might poke or stick me? >> No. >> Okay. Can you stand up for me, please? >> What is going to happen with my items? >> Uh, they're going to go with you to jail. Okay. Can you take this jacket off? >> Okay. Thank you. And when do I get to speak to a lawyer? >> Um, that will be after processing. So once you get proced into the jail, processed into the jail, then you'll have an opportunity to call whoever you would like. >> So your jacket >> that's >> this is >> No, no, that's okay. The jacket's yours. >> Yeah. >> Chris, do you mind grabbing that? Yeah, that's right. >> Is there no other pleasant way to do this? Like walking out of a store? >> Unfortunately, no. Cuz uh once you're in our custody, we have to place you in handcuffs in case you try to run away. We've had people run away and crack their head. So, it's a liability thing. So, we have to detain you like this, unfortunately. >> And you guys are walking out of side doors. I'm assuming >> if there is a side door available, yeah, we can do that. I don't see why not. However, our cars are parked in the front. When the truth could no longer be avoided, what stood out wasn't remorse. Janine seemed far more concerned about saving face in front of her co-workers, even though it was her own sneaky actions that had already shattered that image. >> That's really embarrassing. They're going to be embarrassed after they are proven wrong. I'll just walk with you. Can you guys lead us out? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Thank you. How many more? Just make sure there's nothing just leaning against the car. Could you loosen the left side? >> Left side? >> Yeah. >> Is it because it's caught in your hair band, do you think? Or is it starting to let me take this? >> It's okay. In the end, the woman was arrested and charged with theft. She received 12 months of probation and was ordered [music] to pay $2,500 in restitution to Target. A pretty steep price for a quick cash scheme that clearly wasn't well thought out. What's even more surprising is that just a few months after her sentence, Janine managed to land another retail job. So, what do you think about that? But the theft at Target was only the opening act. A much bigger scheme was already quietly falling apart behind the scenes. >> Do you know what items you took? I mean, yeah. Phones. What kind of phone? Like an iPhone? >> No. >> So, right now, you're being placed under arrest for the theft. Okay. >> On April 4th, 2023, police were called to an Amazon fulfillment center after reports of a large-scale internal theft operation. The investigation quickly zeroed in on an employee accused of exploiting gaps in the system to move multiple high-value tech items out of the warehouse. And this is what happened when officers arrived on scene. >> Good evening. How you doing? >> Good, Anthony. >> Chris, how you? >> Nice to meet you. Anthony >> Colton, >> hey, appreciate you guys coming. So, I started this investigation on the 29th. I haven't caught up to everything. We have video of everything he said to me. >> Okay. >> Um, right now we confirmed 38,000. He's admitted to 65. He's thinking about 23,000 worth of stuff every shift. He's been doing it the last 10 days. >> Is it all like electronics or anything? So, is it is it a lot of property or just expensive property? >> Phones. >> Okay. >> Um, our Apple watches. >> Gotcha. uh a lot of them like he admitted to 40 wiggles or whatever on the pixels, but uh we're probably looking around the ballpark of 100,000 200,000. >> Um he doesn't want to admit to it. Some other concerns I had was I think he might be have a team. Um this is very odd for someone to come here 12 days and still have much. >> Yeah. >> Um he didn't want to talk about he just came from Chicago. He didn't want to talk about his past career >> uh at Walmart doing LP. He's given me a story that someone's forcing him into doing all this, but he doesn't know the names and description of them. He doesn't know. He knows the drop off location here. It went from never taking anything out of the building to Yeah, I was told to. I said, "Where are you meeting up with them?" Well, I don't know. >> Mhm. >> It's just not at home. >> Is he a picker or lost prevention? >> He's a picker. >> Okay. >> Um, so 35,000 guarant 38 but up to 100. >> Yeah. He's admitting he's 65 and he's kind of he's not giving me a statement as far as >> and um I have a feeling it's at his house and I don't want him to come to his house and get rid of it. I don't know if you guys are going to get search warrants over there. >> Well, so because right now we're kind of looking at a felony. So more than likely he's he's going to be coming with us. He's not going to be going to his house. >> Yeah. >> It's we're going to contact our detectives and our C right now kind of see the way they want us to go because we're looking at like a m a major theft here. So >> yeah, I >> most internal theft schemes start small, testing the waters to see how much the system will tolerate, but Colton appeared to take a faster, far riskier route. That kind of overconfidence often signals something else. A complicated story the suspect is already preparing to tell. >> You can sit down if you want. >> My partner, Marissa, you can wait. of course. >> All right. You want to tell me what's going on, George? >> I mean, I believe there's I was like a while ago. So, I had this interaction with this group of people, right? And not to be racist, but just a group of black um males. >> Okay. >> It was probably like like one in like five like like six of them, I believe. >> Six of them. >> And he was like, "Oh, you have to do this. If not, we don't want more beef, right? We just do this." Do you remember exactly what they might have said? >> That's what they said. >> When you say >> do this, >> do this, do that, what do you mean by that? Like what do you mean when you get the good stuff? But did when they said that, did you know what that meant? >> Or did you ask them what do you mean get the good stuff? >> I mean, yeah, of course I did ask them. Like I was, >> right? Of course, I'm not going to be like confused like like what's that, >> right? >> The valuable stuff. That's what they said. >> The valuable stuff. we say, you know, how to ref I mean um how to correctly pronounce course like those people that don't even have education like just you know like how to speak with you know like with co-workers or with other people. Um so I've been working here like like two weeks and a half already and that happened like two weeks after my first day. >> Okay. And you were going to the restroom and you bumped into >> that was yes. >> So after they told you get the stuff, what did they threaten you? Did they? >> What did they say? >> That was the first thing they said. >> What did they say when they threat >> like do it? I'm like I'm like why would I? >> Okay. >> Right. Right. If I'm working doing what they saying, especially like at a work set. >> Yeah. >> Did they threaten you with bodily harm? Did they say do this or I'm going to hurt you? >> I mean, saying that means right away like like if you don't do it like like what I'm telling you, of course, I'm going to do something to you, right? Hey, we don't want no beef, right? >> But did they ever say what they would do to you? >> Huh? >> Colton tried to frame himself as nothing more than a pawn. Someone being controlled rather than the one pulling the strings. But the story began to crack when he couldn't provide a single concrete detail about the supposed threat forcing him to do it. >> Did they ever specifically say, "Oh, this item, this item." >> No. >> So, what did they say to you whenever? >> And they just said, "Grab any." But because that's what they said. >> So, just grab any. Grab any good stuff. Okay. They never told you like say grab an iPad or >> No. >> Okay. Okay. Since the day of the accident, has have you seen these gentlemen at all since then? >> Yesterday I had um I mean not really an interaction, but we did like like face to face >> and yeah, it was like really close. >> Okay. And then is >> and it was just eye contact. >> Mhm. Did you happen to know his name? Anything like that? >> That was at the same area like around here. >> So over by the bathroom in the C or B area. supposedly where they called it the the CRV area. >> Uhhuh. >> I mean it's like right around here like in front like we're supposedly order value items and that's what >> if you need to take a drink at any point while we're talking feel free to Okay. >> No, I just have the nervous system like that. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. I I >> like really bad anxiety. >> I understand. I understand. when they told you to get the good stuff and they told you you said they told you to put it in the totes at at the end of the aisles >> or the beginning um bins >> or the bins at the the beginning or end of the >> camera. >> Okay. >> Do you know what items you took? >> I mean yeah phones. >> What kind of phones? Like iPhones, Samsung? >> Um I do remember some white boxes which were like Google ones. >> Okay. >> Okay. Google phones. >> A total of 25 phones. 30 30 Google and then 20 Samsung. >> And you said more than 30 Google and more than 20 Samsung. >> Yeah. I like way more than 50. I like 55 50 something around. >> Okay. Do you know what the approximate cost of a Google phone? One of those Google phones is >> by itself. >> Okay. What how much do you know off hand? >> More than 500 bucks. Plus taxes. >> I'm sorry. How much? >> More than 500 bucks. >> 500. >> Yeah. With taxes. Yeah. What really caught the officer's attention was how familiar Colton seemed with the market value of each item. In many cases, someone truly acting under pressure rarely focuses on details like resale prices >> to 900. >> Yes. >> What other stuff besides phones? >> I just remember those. >> So, it was just phones. Nothing else. >> Did any of the phones ever leave the building with you? >> About five times. Yes. >> Five times. How How many phones? >> Like 15 phones. So 15 15 or 20 phones left the building with you? >> 15? Yes. >> Okay. And that's over five times or each? >> No. No. Five times. And it's like 15 through 20. >> 15 through 20. >> So they would follow you. Where would they follow you to? >> Just down the road. I mean, >> so down the road. And then you would stop down the road. >> Yeah, of course. Because if they're flashing their lights and I already know on what to supposedly do. When you say you know what to do when they flash their lights, is that something they instructed you to do >> or something? Okay. >> I mean, yeah, that or they would honk like I don't know like like three or four times like just for me like I just stop stop now of course and then you just pull over to the problem. >> I know we've already discussed it. Was there ever any other items other than phones? >> Not that I remember. No. >> Okay. So, I just kind of want to make sure that we have everything kind of correct and you you correct me if I'm wrong. Okay. So on the date of your on your hire date, the first time you worked here, you went down to the bathroom around lunchtime and you accidentally bumped into one of these guys. >> That was like the second day of the working, which was like the third day working. >> So, okay. So, >> like a Tuesday, I think. >> So, the third day you were working here, you went down to the bathroom on your lunch break and accidentally bumped into a gentleman. Okay. He he said, "Hey, you know, do this for me or else we're going to have beef. You know, I'm going to do this." And he told you to take some phones and put them down at the end of the aisle. Okay. And it was always strictly phones. Okay. >> I mean I mean just get the good stuff. And that's what they >> Yeah. Get the good stuff. But they kind of elaborated to phones or did they did you just >> cuz I asked, right? Um like what's the good side? What is that? >> And they specifically said the Google and Samsung phones or >> get phones and that >> get just get phones. >> Get phones. >> Okay. Colton also remembered the delivery counts and identification procedures with surprising precision. Yet, when it came to the identity of the alleged mastermind, his memory suddenly went blank. His handwritten statement quickly became a turning point in the legal process. >> Would you be willing to write any of this stuff down for us on one I know you're doing one for them. Would you be willing to write everything that you've kind of told us down on a piece of paper for us and one on one of our statement sheets? Okay. you you kind of want to write it just like how you told us, okay? We want you to be as clear as possible. So, kind of write it like it's a movie is what I tell people. If they were going to make a movie about this incident, write it like that. Be as clear and put as much information in in there as you can from the very beginning to the very end, including the number of phones that were, you know, relocated to your vehicle, the number of phones that were relocated to the ends of the the aisles, the types of phones and stuff like that. If you can remember dates and stuff like that, that's all good information. Okay. >> So, he's admitted to over 30, what he's saying is over 30 Google phones, which are valued at $9.99, over 20 Samsung phones that are valued at,300. He has relocated from where they were to the ends of the aisles for other people to grab. He's admitted to five times to taking 15 to 20 phones to his vehicle over >> in there right now. Mhm. No, I don't know if there are stolen his vehicle cuz what he's saying is he'll he left here and then the guys that work here that are wars and he is they'll flash their lights at them honk their horn. He pull pulls over on the side of the road. They do the transaction there. >> You guys need anything else from us? >> No, we're all good. >> Okay. >> Somebody reach out to us tomorrow. [clears throat] >> Uh go ahead and stand up for me. same place. >> So, you're going to be going with us today? >> Oh, can I take I'm going to be for We're taking your belongings with you. You want to take your hat off? >> Oh, just do me do me a favor and go ahead and place your hands behind your back. Okay. Hands behind your back. >> So, right now, you're being placed under arrest for the theft. Okay. >> You're going to be coming with us. Anything else we need while we're >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you guys. >> Big help. >> Do you have >> Yes. Yes. I gave it to Officer. >> You got all their stuff? >> Yes. >> You have a good night. >> And George, um, so you're going to be put on suspension, too, at work. Okay. So, you can't come back, but they're it's going to be paid suspension. All right. And then they'll reach out to you. Okay. In the end, the man was taken to jail and charged with felony theft. The total value of the stolen property, including smartphones, laptops, designer sunglasses, and luxury watches, reached $73,000. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and full restitution for the stolen merchandise. The Amazon warehouse lost tens of thousands of dollars. But at Dollar General, greed showed up in a very different form. >> You know how many different felonies you can get from this? It's organized retail theft, basically is what it is. >> You've been cooperative. Make this as easy as possible. >> On April 4th, 2022 in Florida, police were called to a Dollar General store over suspicions of internal theft. At first, it looked like just a few items slipping past the register. But a closer review quickly revealed something bigger. a scheme that had quietly drained thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. >> Hi. >> Do you know what manager called? >> I am the manager. And >> is this her? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, >> is there a lost prevention person we need to talk to? >> I have I can call her. >> Do you both have IDs? >> I do. It's in my room. Sorry. going on and we'll go from there. >> Okay. So, you uh you got all the information from her. >> Yeah. From her and her. >> Okay. >> Now, I'll talk to you forever. the other thing. So that was the loss prevention manager. Basically, I hadn't got the manager's statement, but apparently she already wrote a statement to her. So, she all happened yesterday. It's just one instance. Okay. over the span of four hours yesterday. >> Okay. >> The employee allowed her aunt, the employees aunt, to basically load up an entire carts of whatever. I mean, over $1,000 worth of stuff. And she would scan like one or two things. >> She would >> the employee would Yeah. The employee would scan. >> She was under scanning. >> Yeah. The the employee would scan one or two things and let the ant she wants to press charges. So, they're best >> if we they don't know the aunt's name and >> the employee apparently wouldn't tell her. So, um >> Okay. But apparently she already everything on their written statement. So, >> that's fine. >> All right. I'll go with >> All right, Sher. >> I'm going to read you something and ask you a few questions. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. >> Amy wasn't just involved. She played a key role in how the operation worked. By using her position as an employee to control the checkout process, she seemed convinced the store's internal system could be manipulated without anyone noticing. >> About 15 minutes ago, the ladies who were the last ones to come through with stuff came back in and their cards were still sitting over there when they realized I wouldn't let her come out and ring them out. >> Okay. Um, the only I have pictures of the transactions from the register because it wouldn't let me reprint them. >> Okay, >> so this is what she rang up. >> That's what she gave away. And I can show you on the big camera, too. And then she rang up a drink. And that's the cart he pushed out. >> And the only thing she rang up was the drink. >> The drink. Yeah. That's the actual receipt for the transaction and that's on the gum drive. And then this is >> and the employee is Amy Ranken. >> And that's and she signed it. So, >> and she put her employee number. I didn't um I don't know if you need the original or the copy. I was just told to make a copy of it. So, and then these are like when I went through and watched the video, I didn't put all of this on there cuz it wouldn't have fit. But >> what is all Oh, look. >> This is And this is the list of stuff I could see in the cards that got taken. >> Can you do Did you make copies of all this? No, not yet. >> You make copies of all that front and back if you would. >> You will be placed under arrest for grand retail theft. Yes. >> Um, tell me what's going like you're being accused of understanding and allowing your aunt to walk out. Like I you know how many different felonies you can get from this? It's organized retail theft basically is what it is. Whether it was your idea or not, you went along with it. >> Did you get dropped off here or is your vehicle in the >> My vehicle's here? >> Okay. >> Hey, um I'm getting ready to go to jail. >> Can you have someone come get it? >> Because I let somebody walk out of here with stuff yesterday. >> Yeah. During a phone call with a relative, Amy claimed she had been arrested simply for letting someone walk out of the store with unpaid merchandise. But when officers looked into it, that someone turned out to be a member of her own family. He said, "I'll have a bond setting set tonight." I'm not sure how much it was. Where's your keys at for your vehicle? Are you able to have someone come get it? Cuz obviously you're not going to be allowed back on this property. >> Just going to call my aunt. >> Shelly? >> No. >> Okay. >> My aunt Judy. >> Okay. >> Do you have a phone number for Shelly? >> I don't have anything for her. She made it very secretive. So I guess this is why. Where you going? >> I'm going to give you my stuff and put it in my car. >> Is it inside? >> Okay, we'll have that come out. Just finish your cigarette. >> Do I need to take my ID with me? >> Um, not necessarily. Um, I would take your cell phone with you so you can get phone numbers out of it. Um, >> and then I'll just put my cigarettes and my keys and everything in the park or >> cuz I have your information, so you don't necessarily need your ID. Um, it wouldn't hurt to take your wallet and phone with you, but that's really your choice. >> And I'll leave my ring. And do I need to take earrings and everything out or >> You will be made to at the jail. Yeah. Is it just your purse inside? >> I believe so. >> Every move Amy made, including the moment she wrote her statement, was clearly captured on the store's security cameras. The chain of evidence suggested this wasn't a spur-of-the- moment mistake. Even during her probationary period, the job itself appeared to be nothing more than a convenient tool. She took eight shopping carts >> alto together in the hour. It was eight shopping carts full of stuff. >> Where did the where did the $1,000 number come from? >> That's it was probably over that amount because there were full of things that we couldn't even see what was in them. Um, so she's estimating. >> You didn't happen to get her on video writing the statement, did you? >> Yeah, >> she is on video writing the statement. Yeah, >> I can add that to the >> Yeah, if you wouldn't do that. That would just be a little icing on the cake, so to speak. >> And uh what I'll do is I'll just take the copied version of everything. Are the the receipts you have are on here, you said, or what you >> um Well, I have the beginning like where she scanned one thing and then gave them their copy of the receipt and they walked out with two carts full of stuff. >> Okay, cool. >> Back on there from the other in the store. So, the way she did it, I have a feeling that this is not the first time you >> she wouldn't give y'all her she wouldn't give y'all her aunt's name. I don't. >> It looks like her mom. >> Look like her mom. >> And they were driving the red van cuz you can kind of see it off to the side. She walks out to it. And >> Were y'all able to get Do y'all have outside cameras? >> But you can see the van in the corner. >> Yeah. >> I was just wondering if you were able to get a tag if it was going to be a if I can get a tag number from the video, but probably not from that angle. >> You can only see this side of it. That would probably help us identify at least identify the aunt or mom or whoever it is. You know, >> there's that and then >> just what I need from you is going to be a uh >> As officers began identifying the woman driving the red van connected to the case, past issues from Amy's previous workplace also resurfaced. Amy insisted the woman was just her aunt, but investigators suspected the relationship might be much closer than she was letting on. >> At least your feet aren't sweating though. >> Let me look in your purse. Make sure you don't got no weapons. Okay. Which car is yours? >> The universal precaution I got to take. I did come next time. I'm not >> Do you have any money to bond yourself out of jail or anything? >> No. >> Then you can leave it in here. If you want to take your ID with you, you can. I'll bring your ID that your cell phone. We'll be good to go. I do have fake teeth. Am I going to have to leave those with you guys, too? >> I That's good. I have no idea. You got your cell phone? >> Yeah. >> Take that. Let's go over here and have a seat in my car while we get finished doing everything and get this going. You have anything else you want to bring? >> Since you've been so cooperative, just put your hands in the front. I'm not going to make you turn around. put in the back. >> And this is just eczema. I don't have like contagious. >> No, >> I got it. >> I'm glad. >> No, it's not. >> I thought it was just marks that you had. >> No, you've been cooperative for making this as easy as possible. for sure. Should be good. >> All right. >> Well, if I wait to see how much it is. >> That's fine. You can wait. >> In the end, Amy was charged with grand theft and organized retail theft. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison and fines reaching $5,000 along with potential restitution. So, what do you think? Was Amy a victim of family pressure and manipulation or the real mastermind exploiting loopholes in the system for profit? If Dollar General revealed greed over snack money, the next case involves an elderly woman whose choices shocked everyone. On April 29th, 2024, at a Wind Dixie store, police were called in after a report of internal theft. A 58-year-old employee was suspected of quietly turning everyday household items into evidence of a theft pattern that had stretched over several months. And this is what actually happened. >> Sorry, tell me what happened. Okay. So, uh I all on this uh flash drive will have video of the incidents which uh I identified the uh the thefts last week and as I was reviewing to see how far back it went. I have all the way until February 1st until April 22nd. >> So, it's a collective from not just um today. is collected for how long? >> From from from April I'm sorry, February 1st through April 22nd. >> It's all on uh all on >> April what? >> April 22nd. >> April what? 22nd. >> Yes. >> This year. >> Okay. Um and what she would do is she would bring merchandise from the sales that she intends to purchase, brings them over to our selfch checkout registers. Um, instead of ringing up all the items, she would only ring up some of the items. >> Okay. >> The others she would still keep in the bag and place in the shopping cart >> and then at the end of her shift, she would do this probably within within 15 to 30 minutes of her shifting, um, she would leave with all of the items. >> Okay. Do you ever receive all those items? >> Yes. This right here, what you're seeing here? So, >> so you put in all the items that was not scanned, >> correct? >> On there under flash. >> Correct. So, each folder is a date. >> Um, these again all of this is in this flash drive. >> Okay. This one there, right? >> This is these are the items that were paid for. >> What wasn't paid for? The situation shifted quickly when the store manager confirmed the suspect was already sitting in the office waiting. What she didn't realize was that the actions she once believed were invisible had been documented with surprising precision by the store's surveillance system. >> All right. So, I'm definitely out of the sheriff's office. I need to read you something. Okay. [clears throat] I'm required to warn you before you make any statement that you have following constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent, not answering my questions. Any statement must be and freely voluntarily given. You have the right to the presentation of a lawyer of your choice before you make any statement and during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you're entitled to the presentation of a court important lawyer before you make any statement during any question of mine. Do you wish to speak to me? >> No. I'm not going to be held against me. No. >> Okay. So, you don't want to speak to me? >> What am I supposed to say? I mean, >> I I can't tell you exactly what to say. It just something that'll probably defend yourself. I don't I don't know. I can't tell you what to say. It just I'm in reference to why I'm here. If you want to speak to me further about the reason why I'm here, >> I I'm I can just all I can say is I'm sorry. And I wasn't meaning to hurt anybody. I wasn't trying to to do anything, you know. I was just trying to survive, you know, and I'm willing to pay back everything, you know, that that I will do. I mean I mean, believe it or not, I I I I I do feel bad for what I did. >> Was that statement to him or to me? I'm just I'm just making the statement in, you know, in general. I just >> So, it's you're >> I just got my back against the wall. >> You're No, I'm Okay. So, you're telling me you're making a statement to him, but it's just an an outward statement. It's not direct to anyone. >> Well, I already talked to him. I done said that, you know, I would pay it back. Her statement began to grow tense as she moved back and forth between admitting mistakes and trying to frame herself as the victim of circumstance. When the officer pressed her on the timeline, the story slowly began to lose its consistency. >> I don't I just don't know what else to say or do. You know, I'm scared to death right now. >> Okay, I understand that. So, >> I am I'm scared to death. >> All right. So speaking to me, yes or no? Cuz I can take I can take the consideration. You didn't give a utterance. It's not a you just you spontaneously uttered something. I just need like a yes. You I want to talk to you. >> No, I'm not. I need something. >> I mean, yeah, I'll talk to you if I you know, I just don't know what to tell you. You know, I mean, I've already, you know, went through the motions of of everything. >> Okay. Uh there's a reason for such a vast quantity of thefts probably. >> Why is it such a vast amount? >> Yeah. Like what is the it's it's a lot. It's over three two months 3 months the time time frame. >> What from November till now? >> For November. >> I guess that's what he told me. >> So it's prior. >> I don't know about what he's telling me what I what have what is going on. And he told me November. So I'm like November, December, January, February, March, April. >> So all right. >> Can you two now? >> You went outside? >> Sure. >> I need a chair. All right. I'm just going to submit you. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. All right. So, are you saying you've been doing this since November? >> Well, I'm just going by I I don't I don't know. Tell me. >> It's not just It's not It's not on what SL is telling me. It's what you want to tell me. If you're telling me it's been November. >> Well, I'm just I'm going by what he said. He said since November. I I don't know when. I I don't know. I I I really don't know when I actually started. >> Yo, you don't know when you actually started, >> right? When a wrongful act repeats long enough, it can start to feel like routine. And when that happens, the person involved may stop recognizing the scale of it until the legal system steps in and forces that reality into focus. >> I've had a I've had a rough couple years and, you know, my husband died, my mom died, my son died. >> I'm losing my house. I lost my uh management role. I didn't was making way less money than what I was used to. And I had, you know, I I I just didn't feel like I had a choice, you know. I mean, I didn't know what else to do, you know. I mean, I'm alone down here pretty much. >> Mhm. >> You know, and I didn't know what else to do. >> So, you resorted to in the sense that what were what were you stealing? >> Well, food for me, you know, some food >> survived in a sense. >> Yeah. Yeah. kind of sense, you know. And then, you know, I did steal some cat food cuz, you know, I have a couple cats. But >> I understand cuz you don't want your cats to be dying in the house and you're trying to survive yourself. I understand. >> You know, and I don't know what else to do with that, you know what I mean? I I just didn't know what else to do. I really didn't know what else to do. >> Okay. All right. So, from what I'm understanding is, you're telling me that um you resorted to a crime of stealing food for yourself to survive and for your cat to survive a child. You have no help in in Florida. It's just you down here after your husband died and you have death. >> I mean, I have my daughter, but she's got her own three kids and and stuff like that. I can't >> Where's your daughter at? >> You know, she lives up there on Forest Hill. You know, >> I can't, you know, >> she she wasn't she's not able to at least uh provide you with any kind of 50 bucks for some groceries, nothing like that. >> She's, you know, she's helped me out a little bit here and there, but, you know, she's got bills to pay, too. She got, like I said, she just had a baby. >> Mhm. >> And she got three kids of her own, you know, that she's got to take care of. And I don't want to take care I don't want to take money out of >> her >> her pocket and and deprive her the kids, you know what I mean? I don't want, you know, I don't want that to happen. >> Okay? >> You know, so it was like a vicious circle. I didn't know >> what to do, what the way to get out. >> I didn't know what to do. >> Okay. >> I just really didn't, you know. I mean, I feel bad for what I did. >> Regret often arrives only after the damage has already been done. Personal hardship can be real and painful, but under the law, it doesn't grant anyone the right to take what belongs to someone else. >> The homeless homelessness in Palm Beach County is so large, they don't want to add to that. So, they're going to obviously get the help to people they can help. >> I just didn't know where to get the help. I didn't know how to go get find out about help, you know? I didn't know. I' I've never had I've never done this before. >> Okay. >> You know, I never, >> you know, this just this just this just just recently started happening. I I I've never done it in the past. >> Didn't have didn't have need to, you know. >> Yeah. >> I I just >> I understand. I'm trust you. Sometimes you have you have to you have to do what you have to do in order to >> I'm 58 years old and I have nobody more or less. You know what I mean? I mean, everybody that was down here with me has died. You know, my husband died of cancer. My mom died of a heart attack, you know, and I got a house that I can't pay for. It's going into foreclosure, and I don't even know when I'm going to have to be out of my house. >> How long until it goes into foreclosure? >> It's already in foreclosure. It was supposed to go up for auction last Tuesday and I guess something happened and the auction, you know, took place, but the guy that was buying it, I guess, couldn't come up with the rest of the money, so he defaulted on that. >> Okay. >> So, you know, I don't know if and when I'm going to have to get out of my house. You know, they come knock on my door and tell me get out. I don't know. >> I'm scared. You know, I'm really really scared. >> Okay. You know, I'm 58 years old and I'm just trying to make it. That's all. >> Yeah. Life is hard. >> And I and I am really sorry that I did it right now. >> Everything, >> you know, I mean, >> I don't know. >> No problem. >> Yeah. >> We don't know yet. In the end, the woman was charged with grand theft, a felony in Florida, because the value of the merchandise crossed the legal threshold. After the legal process concluded, she was sentenced to 2 years of probation. So, what do you think? Is 2 years of probation too light for the theft of $2,000 or too harsh for a woman who had lost her family and was on the edge of homelessness? A story that seems simple on the surface, but it leads straight into a pattern seen in almost every case of internal theft. On March 30th, 2023, in Montgomery County, Texas, police were called to a Banana Republic store after suspicions of internal fraud, an employee was accused of processing fake returns and abusing the store's discount system, a pattern of behavior that quickly caught management's attention. >> Which room? This one. >> Hello. >> Very small. We can get the chair out if you want to. It's like a closet in there. >> It is a small room. Okay. Sorry. I don't mean to be overly cramped in here. No, it's okay. >> No, it's >> So, what is your full name? >> Oh, >> I'm sorry. I don't know who I'm talking to. >> This is my uh asset protection manager. >> Okay. I'm like, >> so what is your full name? >> America. >> Okay. I work here. >> So, can you just give me an explanation as to why I'm here? >> Yeah. So, basically that there's like three main points. So, it was fraudulent return online returns. Okay. Which means like I returned the thing like I did the return but I never brought back the merchandise. Okay. >> And then the other one was what's it called? Employee discount fraud which was I let my aunt use my discount. >> Okay. Um, and then the other one was loyalty rewards, which loyalty, we had a system where client signs up with their phone number and every time they make a purchase, they earn points, which turn into like a dollar amount. >> And I used a phone number that was not mine. >> Okay. >> And I used their dollars that they had. >> Can you just give me a brief synopsis as to why that occurred in the first place? >> Yeah. So, I bought it kind of impulsively and I had to pay off my credit card. So I was like, "Oh, if I do this return, the money will go back and get." >> Okay. >> And then I went on vacation. So >> um So you're not disputing that this occurred. >> Oh. >> Okay. Is there So I understand that you're saying that you did it to return make the return so you could pay off your card, but you made an impulse decision to purchase the item. >> I was on vacation. I wanted to close. I bought it without having the money for it. >> Okay. >> And I was like, "Oh no, that was not the right thing to do." >> Okay. And then I made another bad choice which was returning it without like the merchandise. >> Do you have an ID on you? >> I have it in my purse. It's right out here. >> That's fine. I mean, >> she didn't deny what happened, but she tried to frame it inside a more human story, one that might soften the seriousness of the situation. The confession was recorded and by that point, the reality of a pair of handcuffs was beginning to sink in. >> What is So, it's Is your legal name America? So, you're going to go to jail today? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, I'm just letting you know that now. Um, where do you live and who do you live with? >> Okay. So, the family that I live with right now, I don't feel comfortable. It's okay. So, let me explain the situation. My parents are in Mexico right now. Um, I do have a friend and her mom that could help me out right now. Um, if I could contact contact them instead of who I live with, which is one, my mom's friends. >> So, here's the thing. You're an adult. Okay? You're not a kid. So, I don't care who you call. >> Okay? So, you're probably going to wind up getting I can't promise you this, but you're probably going to get what's called a PR bond, which is I believe it's considered a personal recgnissance bond. It's going to be very low amount. And I don't even >> Usually, it's less than a grand, but here's the thing. Any bond amount, so like let's say that you didn't get a PR bond, you don't pay the number like up front. >> I'm not understanding. Okay. >> So, understand this. If let's just I'm going to give you hypothetical, not saying that this is what's going to occur. If you got a $2,000, it's not going to happen. But if you did, then you would pay 200. You pay 10%. So, what I'm going to do is I'm going to go ahead and detain you in cuffs right now. >> Mhm. >> So, I'm going to I'm going to put cuffs on you real quick. Okay. And then we're going to leave through the back, but I'm going to move my car over here first. So, if you'll turn around for me if >> Oh, so right in front of 21. >> Okay. Perfect. >> Downstairs. So, here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to uh go move my car over here real quick and then if we could have this door open for me. It'll take me I'm parked over by the valley. >> So, you just give me a second. I'm going to run in through the middle of the >> and I'll be right back. >> Thank you. >> 6055. You show one to 10. >> 6055. That's clear. pointed a gun at him and there was no sense of >> the walk from a cramped office to the backseat of a patrol car may only take a few steps, but socially it's a dramatic fall. In that moment, the young employee was forced to confront a very different reality. >> Before I buckle you in, we'll make that phone call. I just need to get him the statement. >> Just watch your watch your elbow. I know it's not comfortable, but the best way to sit in these cars, put your wrists towards me and put your knees towards the center. It takes the pressure off your wrist. >> The pre-tax number was what? 230. >> So, the pre-tax on this one's 234. I don't >> for just the uh product, right? >> Yeah, just the return two. So, >> yes. >> Go to favorites the star. Okay, Nicole, what happens if she doesn't answer? She's at work. >> Let's try. >> Okay. >> And then we'll cross that bridge. >> Okay. What should I say? >> What? I said like I'm going to jail and I need you to come. >> Well, just tell her >> something happened. >> Hey. Uh. Just tell her. Does she speak English? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You want me to just tell her? >> Yeah. Nicole, I'll explain later. I'm sorry that I have to ask you to do this. >> Nicole, this is Deputy Coker of the McGomery County Sheriff's Office. Can you hear me? >> Hi. Yes. >> Hi. So, while I will not be the one that explains why she is going to jail, I'm going to let her do that because that's within her right to do so. Uh, she is going to wind up going to jail in Conro today. Uh, >> one of her co-workers and I can get in touch with one of them. >> No, it's fine. We can come pick it up after I'm out. >> So, it would be tomorrow, but it should be by tomorrow. I can't see any circumstance that would lead her to be in the jail longer than >> Even while being placed under arrest, she remained worried that her car might get towed. A small detail, but it revealed that her focus still seemed fixed on personal property rather than the charges unfolding around her. >> I'm just making sure so I don't do two trips. You want the original transaction of her doing a self return or you want both of the items on one receipt. That way you see the total. >> Just the total cuz it's two se it's two separate returns. Correct. >> Correct. It's two. >> That's fine. But it's all one instance. So >> you want just the itemized receipt. >> Just the itemized receipt. I'm gonna write her number down. up there. Not 100% sure. >> Okay. Meanwhile, text them and then whenever I call you, tell me what they say. They're going to be freaking out, but tell me what they say. And but I'm going to call you. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Thank you, baby. Bye. >> So, it's that last one. Click that. >> Okay. Okay, let me write that down for you real quick. >> Can you put it in my pocket? >> Yes. You just need to remind when we get there, remember to grab that. >> Watch your arm real quick. I'm going to go ahead and turn off your phone. >> Okay. >> That way you have battery >> cuz I don't want it to die on you. And then >> I'm going be honest with you. I don't have an iPhone so I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Click that that button. Leave it like pressed. >> This one? >> Yeah, that one. >> Oh, you know what? Never mind. You're going to click that button, but this one as well. The the top volume. Top one. >> The top one. >> That one. Yeah. >> As the logistical details were sorted out, she grew quieter as if finally reflecting on how she ended up there. But in many situations like this, reflection tends to arrive only after the evidence is already undeniable. >> Um, realistically, the best option like, is your wallet in your car? >> Yeah. Where is it in your car? >> It is in my purse, which is uh on the bottom of the passenger seat. >> Like below it, below the passenger seat >> seat area. >> What is in your car other than your purse and wallet? >> My I just came back from a trip. So I have like a bag with all my clothes in it. >> And all of that is in the trunk >> in the same place over there on the Yeah, I know. I know. I just threw it in there cuz I went to school school earlier. I didn't know it was going to happen to me. >> I know. I know. Where Where are you parked in the parking garage? third floor. >> But where? Like closer to where we are now on the >> Well, on the Okay. So, do you see? >> You're okay. >> Um, so where the set of stairs is, the first set of stairs, it's all the way on that side. >> Uh, >> I mean, it's fine. If I don't need it, then it's fine. >> Okay. Um, let me get you buckled in real quick. Sorry. Sorry, I'm going to be like all in your space. But >> is it far away? Just so I can like comfortably try to position myself. >> Do what? >> Is it far away? The the place >> I wouldn't say it's necessarily far away. I mean, I would say that it's probably less than 20 minutes. >> Okay. >> You know what? I had a dream last night that I got arrested. I did. And then you know what? Honestly, I felt it. I know it's wrong. you know when something's wrong and you know when you're not doing something that's right because honestly Mexico like where I'm from people can someone they'll call someone they're they're like the best lawyer and then they won't get like consequences for it and that's why it's alled up yeah you can give them likeing $5 and then they'll let you go like that's why it's so shitty that's why it's so insecure so honestly this is like very necessary even if it sounds silly cuz this is the only reason to like maintain >> in the end the young woman faced theft charges because She cooperated with officers and had no prior criminal record. Her bond was likely set under $1,000. But for a 20-year-old starting her career, a criminal record can leave a mark that lasts far longer than the arrest itself. Greed in the workplace rarely stays hidden for long. And the next case at Circle K is about to prove exactly that. On December 13th, 2021, at a Circle K convenience store, police were called in over what was initially reported as an internal dispute. But a quick review uncovered something far bigger. A female employee suspected of quietly turning the store's lottery rolls into her own personal cash source. >> Hello. >> Oh, thank you, officer. Oh, I thought you were going to grab it. No, it's okay. >> Thank But thank you for what you do anyway, officer. >> Thank you. >> You have a good evening. >> You too, ma'am. Mike, >> copy The store manager handed over more than 2 weeks of surveillance footage, showing the suspect repeatedly taking lottery tickets, scratching them right behind the counter, and even splitting $400 in winnings with a random customer. As officers reviewed the footage more closely, it became clear this wasn't a spur-ofthe- moment decision. Serge, I'm here at the theft. Um, manager witnessed everything. Um, it says last night the employees stole $1,300, over $1,300 in lottery tickets and also pocketed the winnings. She's not sure how much the winnings are. Um, I just want to know if you want me to do a complaint affidavit cuz she's still on scene right now. So, I I could I could arrest her right now >> if you want me to. Do you want me to go ahead and put handcuffs on her or um >> What evidence do you have? She has video evidence she just gave me, but what she has advised me it shows, which I will I will double check. Um, is the employee uh rips the lottery tickets off the roll, scratches them off, then goes and scans them at the machine, and when she wins something, she then um cashes everything out. >> Is she content or what? You have your >> I haven't talked to her yet. I haven't made any contact with her yet. Um, I just want to know what you want me to do if she >> It's probably going to be a complaint affidavit, but >> Okay. >> I need I need to know the details of the case before I'm going to make that decision. >> Okay. Well, I'll go I'll go make contact with her. Um, I mean, do you want me to get a second unit over here? >> What for? >> Wait, I mean, you said >> Sorry. probably going to be a complaint aff. >> Okay. >> All right. >> All right. Cool. Happy holidays. >> Standing in front of police, the suspect eventually admitted everything. There was no elaborate scheme and no dramatic story. Just a simple belief that no one would ever notice. >> Do you have a driver's license or anything? >> No, sir. >> No. >> Yeah. What number are you? >> Do you have an ID? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you have it on you? >> Two and 41. Okay. What's your current address? >> Uh way off Herbert. >> Yes. >> Okay. and date of birth. >> Your birthday's coming up, sir. >> What's a good phone number for you? >> Um, they have they're changing my phone number back to my regular. So, I'm going to give you my current one right now. >> But what's when is that going? When is that changing? >> In 72 hours. >> Let's Let's get that one. Let's get both. >> Okay. >> Give me that one >> and then get married up here for you. I don't know if I heard. Okay. The one that's be coming up uh in 72 hours. >> What's What's the current one? >> The current one right now is 383. >> Okay. >> And the one that be coming up in 72 hours is 79562. >> Where she wants you to hang out for a little bit. So, uh, just talk to her. She confessed everything. >> Okay. >> While the legal process was unfolding, Dustin, her fiance, arrived looking stunned. He explained that the extra cash she had been bringing home was supposedly tip money. As it turned out, it wasn't just money that had been taken. Trust had been stolen, too. I'll be right back. >> Okay. Hey. Hey, bud. How you doing? >> Okay. >> Hey, I just got some questions for you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I just She just called me crying and I was and I'm trying to figure out what the [ __ ] happening. >> Okay. What do you What do you think's going on? Well, she told me that she got tips from four different people tomorrow. It was kind of sketchy cuz I don't think we should get tips from four different people. >> Tips? >> Yeah. Like basically they would >> tickets. >> I'm not sure. But I'm I'm I'm a changed man. I haven't broken the law since I was like 13. >> I know you're from somewhere. >> Yeah. A while ago. That's my son back there. Um, but basically when people buy lottery tickets and they win money, they would share with her. They would give her half the proceedings. So she sold it. Well, >> is that what she told you? >> She just told me just now the truth. She said that she took the money and she took money. She took I think like she said like three $30 tickets and scratched them off herself and then paid for them. And she told me that she don't know if she's going to jail and she don't know what what's going to happen. She shouldn't have done this. basically like that's and then she said the someone else really really did give her $150 cuz they won $400 but she said the other one that she had taken the money and she just told me now she just called me and crying out. >> Oh yeah. Um Dustin, do you have anything to do with it? >> No sir. >> You didn't tell her to do it? >> No sir. >> Cuz you need money? >> No sir. >> No. >> Um yes I'm short for money but I I would never I have my son to worry about. I would never do anything to jeopardize him. I'm a stay at home father, but if I have to get a job, I would have to get a job. I just I I She's not the kind of person to do something like that. You feel me? >> Like, she's the nicest person in the world. I'm going to I'm supposed to marry her. It's February. We're engaged. >> Claims that she was the kindest woman in the world quickly started to fall apart as officers compared her statements with the camera footage. In cases like this, data tends to speak far louder than personal descriptions. >> It really like makes me upset. >> Yeah, it's understandable. Like I don't even I don't know what to do right now. Like what if she goes to jail? I'm not going to happen to him. You feel me? >> All right, Dustin. I appreciate you talking to me. Okay. >> Auto drive. Adrian. >> Hey, Sarge. Um, I watched the video footage. Um, she's blatantly pulling the uh tickets off, scanning them, and then if they're losers, throwing them in the trash, and if they're winners, she holds on to the little stub she gets, and then she cashes them out. Um, we're not sure how much cash she actually took from the store, but the lottery machine is short $1342. Um, I talked to her. She confessed everything. Um, so that's where I'm at. >> Okay. What did she say about the money? Where's the money? >> Um, that is a good question. Where the money is? I I can ask her if she wants to give it back, but we're the store doesn't even know how much cash she actually has cuz like >> Well, our goal is to recover the property. So, she stole money. Um she she's not the rightful owner of that money. We need to recover it and log it into evidence. >> In the end, the woman was taken to jail and charged with grand theft. After appearing in court, she received three months of probation and the stolen money, more than $2,000, was never fully recovered. So, what do you think? Is 3 months of probation a fair sentence for stealing thousands of dollars and betraying an employer's trust, or is the justice system going too easy on internal theft? And if you think $2,000 was the end of the story, another shift at Circle K would soon prove otherwise. On May 7th, 2025, police were called to a Circle K gas station after suspicions of internal theft. Just one week into the job, a store employee was caught on surveillance footage quietly taking scratch off lottery tickets during the night shift. And this is what actually happened. >> How you doing, bud? >> How's it going? Good, dude. >> What's going on? All right. Uh, should be working my [ __ ] Uh she came in um in the fifth. >> Where is she now? >> Huh? >> Where is she now? >> No, she's not No, she uh that was my shift. We catch it [clears throat] today. This it's been short $700. >> So I look at the cameras. I got three videos for one night shift. Okay. >> All right. And she came in today and working. She's in here. So I want to show you the videos. Okay. >> From here. Okay. First that was a video. She was acting. Okay. Basically, right now she's having her hand right by the scul pulling the scat off. Okay. She took one and just she going to sit down. When you sit down, she's going to put it in her leg between her leg and you're going to see she having it now by her leg. Right. >> Okay. >> When she sit down, you're going to see it. She's going to put it in the shirt. Don't want I don't want you to go inside and she will run away. You know what I'm saying? Then I can tell you more better on the big screen. But you can tell from here and it's it's moving. >> It's pulling out tickets. >> Then she's going to cut him off. Then she's going to go to the orange one. But the orange one is going to come over and it's going to come out from the outside, too. >> All right. So, she's here now. >> She's here now. Yeah. >> I was waiting for her cuz she off. >> I know these are pretty well tracked. Like each one has its own. Is there a way to figure out which ones are missing? >> The problem is she did not write down her number when she ended the shift. So, I cannot tell which exactly how uh the tickets has been stolen, but comparing to the reports. Okay. So, when we open to close, it's $700 short in this scratch. And she's the only one. >> And you can see the the first one I want to show you was $4 ticket. These is it's $50 ticket. All right. Uh >> the sign suggested this wasn't a spur-ofthe- moment decision. The suspect appeared to be taking advantage of camera blind spots and the quiet hours of the night shift, small gaps in the surveillance system that she believed no one was watching. >> Just give me a couple minutes. I'm going to check something real quick and then I'll be in there. >> Yeah, he just he just got done showing me the footage on his phone. I guess it was last night. >> This one? This girl? >> No, she's working inside. She has no idea. But yeah, you can see it on the footage where she's pretty much leaned over thinking she's hiding from the camera just pulling rows of them out. and he says they're they don't have a way of tracking I guess which ones it was, but they're $700 short than what should be there. >> Okay, >> put your hand down and just walk me through what happened again. >> Okay, so basically we find it's a $700 short and we're trying to figure out what's uh wrong because the numbers is something wrong with the scratch off. So I went through the camera. >> So it shows you directly that it's scratch off related or >> Yes, it's scratch off related because moneywise it's fine. So it told me this the short from the scratch off. So I start looking at this the camera with that new girl when she was working night shift and we find three times in one shift she just keep rolling tickets after tickets after tickets and it's both tickets is a billion dollar a piece. So we talk about $700. >> Gotcha. And at no point she ever paid for it. >> No. Uh the boss uh he really want her to be arrested and I don't know when she arrested anyway she have to pay the fees anyway for it. >> No I got you. I just as far as statement goes you know right >> she took the tickets but never paid for >> right. Okay to stay. >> Gotcha. >> Am I good to pull her back here? >> Yeah. >> An officer stepped inside and began questioning her privately with the camera footage hanging directly above the register as evidence. The woman's reaction shifted almost immediately. Under that pressure, she quickly admitted what she had done. >> All right. So, this is in reference to the last time you This is about the last time you worked. >> Okay. >> From I guess 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. So, from the 5th to the 6th. >> Yes. >> They are $700 short. >> What? It is specifically with scratchoff tickets. >> Okay. >> They have a camera that sits right over the cashier. All right. That camera very clearly shows you pulling rows. All right. Up scratch offs. And they identified it as the gold rush million for 50. There was another one for the 500x the cast that was 50. And then another one that was 20. Can you explain that? guy took I >> you know why you took it? >> Since I've been needing money and I didn't want to take money on the register. >> Gotcha. So you just been hurting on money and >> Yeah. >> did something dumb obviously. >> All right. >> Do you know where those grass stops are now? >> Check my house. >> At your house. Mhm. >> I mean, I'll paid for them. >> Gotcha. >> How long have you worked here? >> A week. >> Okay. So, you're still pretty new here. >> Yeah. >> Gotcha. Do you recall exactly how many it was or was like >> I I think it was um two of the 50. The first 20 I think it was two of each one of the 50 ones and then like four. >> Okay. What do you do? Just put those in your pocket or in your pants or something? >> Like like I said, cuz I just got off of drugs. I just lost my boyfriend. I just I'm trying to get my life together and I just I got overwhelmed. I don't want to go. Go ahead. >> I'm okay. >> I really will. >> I got you. >> She explained that this job was supposed to be a fresh start for her life. But only a week later, the story had taken a very different turn. Promises to repay the money may come from emotion, but the law usually focuses on the action itself. >> Tough spot. You did something you shouldn't have. I mean, I get it. I do. All right. Give me a minute. My sergeant wants me to call. All right. In the meantime, I'll talk to them. All right. But you're going to stand here with her for now. Okay. >> May I sit down? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, you can sit down. >> I don't know. I just I lost my boyfriend a month ago overdosing. I overdosed. I'm just trying to get my life together. And just like I should be grateful. I should really be grateful. I decided I wasn't thinking. >> I gota Did you scratch them or? >> Yeah, I did. How many I lost? I mean, I I'll pay back the money. >> I mean, did you win anything or No, >> no. But like I said, I I'll pay it back. >> Were you working by yourself? Okay. Is there only one person here at night? Like that late? That sounds kind of dangerous. >> It wasn't really that bad angle. In fact, I kind of enjoyed it, but Oh, really? I'll pay you that. >> I've got $100 in my bank right now. I can give him an old lady. >> Well, we'll let him talk to the guy and see what they're going to figure out and we'll go from there. Okay. >> Is there anybody home? >> Huh? >> Is there anybody home right now? >> No. >> Would they be to have them turn over the property? She's already >> Oh, you already dispensed. >> Yeah, I've already dispensed them, but I have one that I bought with them. They threw it in a big pile. >> Gotcha. So, they wouldn't know which ones are what, >> right? >> Gotcha. All right. >> I'll pay you back. >> Unfortunately, that's not my call to make and they're going to press. >> Yes. >> Can I make a phone call? Can I make a phone call so I can >> You can make a phone call when you get to jail. >> Yeah. They'll get you all set up, right? >> Can we not come on outside? I don't see that. >> I'm not I can't take the chance, right? So, unfortunately, you are going to have to walk out of here with you do try to run and the car hits you and now I'm going to lose my job. >> The arrest was completed after the suspect was searched and personal belongings, including cigarettes and AirPods, were taken into custody. The officer remained professionally neutral, explaining that the final decision on prosecution would ultimately belong to the store owner. >> Is in the car? >> You go just check her real quick. >> Yeah. You want to do it here or outside? >> You got to poke me. >> That's okay. >> Yeah, [ __ ] fine. >> All right, that's fine. I'm just going to check. >> We'll just do it in here that way. You're not people aren't seeing >> try to help you out where I can. All right. that way still right here. >> I mean, luckily they're only 700, not 750. Otherwise, it'd be a felony. So, right now, it's a misdemeanor. >> You said you have a knife in your >> I said I didn't know if I did. I just I didn't want you. >> I was like, I don't feel anything in there. >> You able to fill out the victim's stuff, give it the Mary's and all that? >> Yeah, I can do all that. >> All right. Appreciate it. You guys said that the whole time. Why not? going to have you pick up one shoe at a time. We'll start with your left. Brand new. Brand new. I take these off your head, too. Okay. >> Can I Can I have back? >> Yeah. They're going to go with you. >> Everything's [clears throat] going Everything's going with you. >> In the end, the woman was taken to jail and charged with theft along with a permanent trespass ban from the store. With a charge like this on her record, finding another job built on trust will become significantly harder. And if $700 worth of lottery tickets was already enough trouble, the next case involves a $60,000 car. On January 24th, 2024, at the Avis/Budget parking lot, a new employee just 2 weeks into the job was stopped while leaving the lot with a $60,000 vehicle. And the conversation that followed quickly raised more questions than answers. What's going on, man? >> What's going on out here? >> A mish A mishap with the car. >> A what? >> A mishap with the car. >> Mish happened. >> I stored the car in the wrong location. >> Oh, okay. Is your car down at 36? >> You work here? >> I work here. >> So, this car is the It's the company's car. I got you. >> So, where were you supposed to store it then? >> I didn't know I didn't want know where it went. So, I dropped it off here and I went back over there and got another car and took it where I had to take it to. >> You took another car? >> Yeah, cuz I had to. >> Yeah. >> Um, I have my social. >> Do you have a ID or anything? >> Oh, yes. >> So, what time did you come in today? >> I came in at 7 this morning. 8 this morning. >> 8. >> You're still on or did you get off already? >> I just clocked out. >> Okay. >> So, earlier >> watch. Earlier today, I witnessed this car leave the Avis lot. >> Okay. >> Park in this lot. He got out of it. >> Okay. >> Um, he just got off work >> and said that he had left the car here, left the keys in it, which the keys were not in it when I looked at it an hour ago. >> Okay. >> Um, got in the car that was locked because I came out and checked. There was no keys and the car was locked. Got in it and We blocked him in before he could take off, but >> Okay. Uh I'm going to assume y'all want prosecution, correct? >> Okay. >> He's >> Is there video that we can get of that vehicle coming out here? Do you guys have that? >> He didn't drive this one out here. I didn't give him a chance. >> Okay. So, when you guys block >> Yeah. So, he drove it from over there at 10:54 this morning. >> Parked it here. >> Normally, we don't back cars here. >> Okay. Yes. >> Um he got off work a few minutes ago, witnessed him come out to the car. >> So did So did you witness him get in the car at all? Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. >> The manager's statement quickly turned the initial suspicion into a clear chain of evidence. Every move the man made had already been noticed by co-workers. What stood out the most was this. After only two weeks on the job, he seemed confident enough to believe he could outsmart both management and the police. Okay. So, what's going on, bud? >> Um, honestly, sir, okay, I I transport cars. Earlier, when I transported this car, when I got out the gate, my team had already left. So, they told me to park the car at PM. I just I recently just started working here. I didn't know where to park the car. I brought it over here. >> Who's they? >> You said they told you to. Who's they? >> It was a guy over there. It was over there. >> Okay. Give me Give me a detailed description. All right. He He cleans out the cars. All I know is he came up to me and said, "Put this car in pee." And I didn't know where it went. So, I brought it over here. I I've seen someone bring a car over here, drop it off cuz they didn't know where it went. I left the car here, went back over there, got another car, and went to go do finish doing my job. >> How long you been doing this? >> You talking about this job? >> Uhhuh. >> I've been doing it two weeks. You >> ready to go home? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> So, why are you getting in this car? You you real you realize that this story you know you know what a submarine is right sir >> you know what a submarine is right >> like goes under the water you know US Navy uses them you know what a screen door is right >> oh yes sir >> okay screen your story is like a screen door on a submarine it ain't it ain't making a bit of sense and it ain't hold no water >> sir I'm I brought I bought the car I'm telling exactly what happened I bought the car I did not know where it went I left it here sir I went I left the car here. So, I went back to fulfill my job duty. I went back over there, got another part like I was supposed to, and I took it where it had to go. >> What time did they tell you to take it to PM? >> Um, I dropped this off like around 12. So, I would say around 12:00 in the car. Been here, sir. >> You ask where PM was cuz when my sergeant tells me something, do something that I don't know or go someplace where I don't know, I go, "Hey, man." I go I go, "Hey man, you got to I need a little bit of help. Can you talk to me? I'm not sure where to go and all that. So, who did you talk to to get any clarification on that?" >> My crew my crew had left. So, like I said, I've seen someone I've seen Sir I'm >> I've seen someone do exactly this before. So, >> I did it. >> Yeah. >> Moving the vehicle to a restricted parking area without authorization was an obvious sign of overstepping his authority. When officers asked who had approved it, the answer was essentially no one. >> You have a warrant for your arrest minimum out of San Antonio. We're confirming that. So, you're not under arrest at this point in time, but you are being legally detained. >> Okay. You have anything on you that's going to poke us, stick us, stab us, blow us up? Anything like that? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Cuz he's going to pat you down real quick. Yes, sir. >> Um cuz like I said, you real you realize this story makes zero sense that you're telling me. I mean, just be be hon%. >> So, you're telling me that you're such a good employee that working for the temp company and everything? >> I'm not working with the temp company. I work directly with Avis Budget. I did. >> Okay. So, you're telling me that you're such a good employee that after you clocked out, you're going to keep moving cars for them for free? >> No, I wasn't moving. Well, you said you were you said you've already clocked out and you were gone for the day and you were coming over to this car. >> This this car has been sitting here since 12. >> Okay. But you you told us already you clocked out for the day >> and that you were coming over here. >> Okay. All right. I'm going to verify something with them. >> Locked it and then went did his job with the crew and then after he clocked out, he came and got in it. We checked the car. It was locked. Windows. >> Has y'all seen the car over here? >> Yeah, we caught it on camera. >> Oh. Oh yeah. But he had What key did he have? >> The key to the car. >> So he got the key from where the only key. He brought it from across the street across the street. >> Drove it over here and parked it earlier today. Locked it all up and then got in the van and did his job. When he clocked out, he came and got in the car. >> Detect the car. >> Hello, Corey. >> How are you, sir? >> It's always me. >> How you doing? >> All right. So, >> does he work directly for y'all? >> Yes. Okay. >> So, were they informed that they are not allowed to have any vehicles out here whatsoever? >> It holds about as much water as a screen door on a submarine. So, verifying that y'all are going to press charges, all that. So, if it's here, you can definitely say unauthorized use of motor vehicles cuz they don't have the permission to park those cars here unless given to by one of you all. Correct. >> Right. >> Okay. You certainly could have asked a supervisor, "Where do I park it?" >> And he even admitted to me. I said, "So, if you don't know where to park the car, who do you ask him?" Because I asked my lead. And I was like, >> "Yeah, I I I've heard the usual story. They told me, who's they?" I don't know. >> What was he going to do with the car now? >> Oh, he was going. He goes, "Well, I already clocked out." And I go, "So, you're telling me you're such a good employee that you're going to keep shuttling cars after you've clocked out for the day?" All right. The rental company manager confirmed it clearly. Employees are never allowed to place vehicles in that area. That statement shut down any argument about a simple procedural misunderstanding. Even more telling, the car had already been locked and Cameron was holding the keys. >> Well, tell you what, at this point, you are under arrest for what's called UMB, unauthorized use of motor vehicle. I verified, Trust me, I know these folks over here. I have been on more calls with them than my partner here actually for the time that I've been here that you aren't they they told me that you have been instructed that you are not under any circumstances to put a vehicle in this lot. >> I was not instru I'm not going to argue. I have dealt with them I've dealt with them on some pretty unsavory stuff. Okay. I know their word is solid. Okay. So when they tell me that you've been instructed when you were employed that no cars come in this lot unless specifically instructed by one of them that that's you were not allowed to drive that vehicle over here or anything like that. So that's going to be one arrest charge. Then we're going to see what that warrant out of San Antonio does. So you're going to have the warrant added to your arrest as well. Okay. Um go ahead and stand up cuz now you're going to be searched. >> Turn on for me. I don't want to hook you up on a warrant that that ain't yours. You know what I'm saying? That's why I'm asking. >> No, that that was in a car that we cleaned and I just I Man, we was moving so much that I just didn't turn it in. >> Is this your wallet? >> Yes, sir. >> This yours? >> Yes, sir. >> I'm just saying this your wallet? >> Yes, sir. There's somebody else's. >> The credit cards and identification found in his wallet quickly painted a different picture. Officers realized this likely wasn't an isolated incident, making his attempt to portray himself as a victim far less convincing. >> We got extra stuff, too. >> Oh, okay. >> So, I mean, two pieces of identify information, credit cards. >> Oh, nice. >> Supposedly, it was in a vehicle. He forgot to turn it in. >> Okay. Well, too bad. Let me let me inform him of that. be possession of identify information and then we can call the guy and see the credit cards. We're used to it. >> Yeah, >> we might have more to it. >> But, uh, the manager is going to check and see if somebody had a reservation, too. >> Okay. >> All right, Cameron. All right. Because you have these things in your pro in your possession right here. You are also going to be charged with fraudulent use or possession of identifying information >> of identifying information. You said that you you found them in a car and all that. If you'd have turned them in, that been something different. So that's going to be >> we've been moving >> and they have processes that when you find stuff in the cars, you go and you turn that in immediately. >> We've been moving around so much today. So I it slipped my mind, sir. >> Okay. And if you use them, then there will be additional charges follow. Okay. All right. I'm just giving you the heads up. Thank you. >> You have his real? >> Yeah. >> So, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. So, okay. Um, >> yeah. So, those are yours. Who found those? >> You did. You did. Okay. All right. Yeah, it's even even better. Um MV doesn't say it has to be on a public road and he's not allowed to bring it in here anyway. So the second he brought it in here, there's your U MV. We'll do the uh fraudulent use. He said that he found him earlier in the car, didn't turn him in, but hey, you know, he's off the clock at this point, so there you go. In the end, the man was taken to jail and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful use or possession of identifying information, and executing an outstanding warrant from San Antonio. If convicted, he could face between 2 and 10 years in prison, depending on his criminal history and other factors considered by the court. Not every thief walks [screaming] in as a stranger. Some wear the uniform, earn their trust, and steal from the very people who gave them the job. In the end, [screaming] cameras don't forget, and the truth always catches up. 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