A Schuylkill County man is facing charges that he stole more than $55,000 worth of merchandise from his employer.
Police in Foster Township say they were called to Saks Global Company, which has a location in the Highridge Business Park, on Oct. 8. The asset protection supervisor at that business said he had Ricardo Rodriguez, 47, of Kelayres, in his office and that he had stolen items in his possession that totaled more than $2,100 in value. Those items included a silver bracelet, a gold diamond necklace, and a pair of Marcolin sunglasses.
The asset protection worker reportedly told police that several open boxes containing jewelry were found at Rodriguez’ work station and that surveillance camera footage showed Rodriguez opening boxes and placing items in his pocket.
When he was approached by asset protection, Rodriguez allegedly admitted to pocketing the items.
Police say they questioned Rodriguez further and he allegedly admitted to stealing more items from the business while he was employed there and that he’d return those items the following day.
On Oct. 9, Rodriguez showed up at Saks and turned over 80 items that he’d removed from his work station since July 2, the day he was hired, police say in their affidavit. Rodriguez worked on the outgoing line at Saks, meaning he would have the opportunity to check boxes before they were shipped to customers. He reportedly said that he’d place the items he pocketed into his lunch can while at work.
The 80-plus items Rodriguez allegedly stole from Saks and turned in on that day include jewelry, watches, sunglasses, leather goods, and hats, police say. The total value of those items is $55,870.72, according to Saks.
Rodriguez is facing felony charges of theft and receiving stolen property.
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