A Schuylkill County man is accused of stealing more than $7,800 in cash while working at Walmart.
Police in Tilden Township, Berks County, say they were called to the Walmart store there on Dec. 22 for a report of an internal theft. An asset protection manager at Walmart reportedly told police that 18-year-old Allen Kelley, of Mechanicsville, was caught on video surveillance stealing cash from the registers on numerous occasions and pocketing the money.
When police interviewed Kelley about the accusations, he reportedly said his famly was putting “a lot of financial pressure” on him and he used the money to pay for food and rent.
According to police, the alleged thefts happened at the Tilden Township Walmart between Nov. 17 and Dec. 9 last year.
In each instance of alleged theft, Kelley was working at cash registers and is seen taking money and placing it in his pants pockets. The thefts got more bold as time went on, police allege.
On Nov. 17, the first alleged theft, Kelley is reportedly seen taking $20 from a register and putting it in his pocket.
Two days later, Kelley allegedly steals $50. And then the next day, he takes $161, the store alleges.
On Nov. 22, Kelley reportedly pockets $812 from two registers. And two days after that, he allegedly took $400.
The thefts continued on Nov. 24, when Kelley allegedly took $400 cash. A day later, he allegedly took $299 and on the 26th, he reportedly took another $806.
Kelley allegedly swiped $698 on Nov. 29. A few days later, on Dec. 1, Kelley allegedly stole $221, and on Dec. 3, he took $380 in cash.
Five more incidents were noted on security footage, including Kelley’s most daring. On Dec. 5, he allegedly told $323. And the following day, he is seen on surveillance footage taking $1,650.
Alleged thefts happened on Dec. 8, too, police say. While working at Register 7, Kelley is allegedly seen taking $400 from that drawer. He then moved to Register 3, where he allegedly stole $1,300 more.
Finally, on Dec. 9, Kelley allegedly took another $320.
During a police interview, Kelley reportedly didn’t know how much money he’d taken and estimated it to be about $4,000. He said he was sorry for taking the money and that he’d try and pay back Walmart.
Police say Kelley turned over $380 on the day he was confronted with the theft accusations.
Kelley has been charged with felony theft and a warrant for his arrest was signed by Magisterial District Judge Kim Bagenstose.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...