An investigation into a retail theft at a Knoxville store has resulted in criminal charges after authorities say a suspect used a self-checkout kiosk to bypass scanning multiple items.
On March 31 at approximately 6:51 p.m., the Knoxville Police Department responded to a reported theft at the Walmart.
According to the criminal complaint, an asset protection employee provided law enforcement with surveillance footage, a written report, and supporting documentation related to the incident.
Court documents state that on March 28, Lamaris George, 32, of Joliet IL., entered the store and began selecting merchandise. George proceeded to a self-checkout kiosk, where he scanned and bagged items.
The asset protection employee reported that George placed unscanned merchandise into bags and, at times, falsely scanned items when store personnel were nearby. In total, only 12 items were properly scanned, while approximately 19 items were either not scanned or no attempt was made to scan them. The value of the unscanned merchandise was estimated at $99.19.
Authorities say George exited the store with all of the merchandise. The 12 scanned items were paid for using a gift card. Further investigation revealed that the gift card had been purchased using a debit card previously used at a Walmart in Ottumwa. Through this connection, store personnel were able to identify George.
A Knoxville police officer obtained a booking photograph of George from the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office and compared it to the individual seen in the surveillance footage.
Officials also noted that George had an active warrant for his arrest on a charge of fifth-degree theft originating from the Ottumwa Police Department.
The warrant was served on April 21. George was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he later posted a $2,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 1. George is currently charged with third-degree theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
