Two Hampton Roads area men were arrested Saturday in an alleged scam in which they exchanged stolen merchandise for Walmart gift cards, according to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Rushing, left, and Stanley
The men, William Stanley, 40, of Virginia Beach, and James Rushing III, of Hampton, had $1,000 in returns to Walmart stores in Roanoke Rapids, Raleigh, Cary and Rocky Mount in one day, Captain Andy Jackson said. Officers discovered they had 13 gift cards with them and had $3,601 in cash.
Investigation by Walmart loss prevention and the police department led to their arrest for allegedly stealing the merchandise and then returning it the same day, Jackson said.
Roanoke Rapids officers were dispatched to Walmart shortly after 5:30 p.m. after receiving a complaint the men were returning stolen property for money.
Sergeant Perry Parks stopped Stanley, who attempted to turn and run and then stopped Rushing. Investigation determined the 13 gift cards came different stores in Roanoke Rapids and the Triangle area.
Fifteen feet of 4 gauge cable, a battery charger and black vents were stolen from the Roanoke Rapids Walmart, according to Jackson. The men allegedly told store personnel they didn’t have their receipts and were given gift cards instead of cash.
Criminals can take a $200 gift card received from returning stolen property and sell them for $100.
The crime, Jackson said, is common. In the wake of these crimes he said, “Stores are getting more strict on their return policies and are monitoring names.”
Monitored individuals are allowed only a certain number of returns within a month. The thefts affect people making legitimate returns, Jackson said. “It takes a few bad people to make it bad for all of us.”
One of the men arrested used a fake South Carolina drivers license to make returns.
Stanley and Rushing were jailed on $11,000 secured bonds and have April 20 court dates.
Stanley was charged with obtaining property by false pretense, resisting arrest and larceny.
Rushing was charged with obtaining property by false pretense, conspiracy to obtain money by false pretense and possession of stolen property.
