Local man allegedly swindled store out of $1,500 in gift cards and merchandise – The Globe
WORTHINGTON — Nobles County Fifth District Court has issued a subpoena to San Isidro Guerrero Rocha, Jr., 40, of Worthington, to appear on the charge of felony-level theft without consent.
The charge stems from multiple incidents between Jan. 25 and April 28, in which Rocha allegedly took more than $1,500 in merchandise and Walmart gift cards.
A Worthington police officer was dispatched to Walmart on May 1 for a reported theft and met with an asset protection employee. During the conversation, the agent reviewed store reports showing that on January 25, Rocha entered the store with a few items in her basket and went to customer service, where a food saver was exchange. Rocha then selected a 55-inch television and walked through a checkout lane, where he paid for a pack of cigarettes and told the cashier he had paid for the television in the electronics department. Rocha left the store without paying for the TV, which was valued at $319.
On March 1, Rocha walked into Walmart again and vacuumed customer service in an attempt to return it. The return was refused because the vacuum cleaner was not shown as sold. Rocha left the store with the vacuum cleaner and returned a few minutes later, selecting a toaster oven and blender. He took the two unpaid items to customer service and exchanged them for a $448 gift card.
On March 3, cameras showed Rocha returning to Walmart and selecting two FoodSaver-branded items. He took the unpaid merchandise directly to the customer service counter and returned the unpaid merchandise for a $278 gift card.
Then, on April 28, cameras showed Rocha returning to the store with a woman, selecting an electric pressure cooker and carpet cleaner, and not attempting to pay for the items in the cart. The stolen items were valued at $466.
Asset Protection investigated the matter and learned that the woman was Patrice Rocha, wife of San Isidro. A social media search confirmed the identity of San Isidro Guerrero Rocha Jr. on the store video.
The total value of the stolen or fraudulently returned items for gift cards was $1,511.
The WPD officer compared surveillance footage with a recent booking photo and believed the individual to be Rocha.
Attempts have been made to speak with Rocha at his last known address, but he has not yet been located.
If Rocha appears in court, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
