(Spencer)– An investigation into the alleged theft of nearly six thousand dollars in merchandise and credit from the Spencer J.C. Penney’s Store has lead to the arrest of 13 people.
Authorities say a joint investigation involving J.C. Penney Loss Prevention officials and the Spencer Police Department has resulted in theft charges being filed against store employees and their associates.
Authorities say the investigation started when the store’s management became suspicious and contacted their Loss Prevention Office to look into the matter. Discrepancies were found in register tallies and receipts, and officials were able to link seven store employees to the alleged activity. The Spencer Police Department was contacted, and a further investigation resulted in the arrest of six more people. All of those taken into custody were alleged to have participated in one or more of the following: refunding merchandise that didn’t exist; failure to ring up additional items of purchase; and crediting credit card accounts and gift cards.
18-year-old William DeGroot of Spencer, 18-year-old Ryan King of Dickens and a 17-year-old male from Spencer were charged with theft in the second degree; 19-year-old Jessica Boyles of Everly, 22-year-old Viengsavanh Keoninh of Ruthven, 20-year-old Carles Wittmus of Emmetsburg, 18-year-old Chance Wiley of Spencer, 18-year-old Adam O’Clair of Spencer and a 17-year-old female from Spencer were all charged with theft in the fourth degree; three 17-year-old males and a 16-year-old female, all from spencer, were charged with theft in the fifth degree.
Police say the investigation continues and more arrests are possible.
