Former Kmart employee accused of stealing items from store last year
A 21-year-old former Kmart employee is charged with stealing from the store in August through October 2016.
Keleiah Dwynette Murchison, who now lives in Lakewood, Wash., made an initial appearance on the Class C felony charge in district court in Minot on Monday. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 28 before Judge Richard Hagar.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, Murchison stole approximately $2,983 in merchandise between Aug. 31 and Oct. 28, 2016. Murchison used “Your Way” rewards accounts belonging to three other women to purchase items for other customers. Murchison also allegedly allowed customers to leave the store without paying for some items, called “free bagging.” She also allegedly loaded gift cards fraudulently with refunds and then used the cards to purchase items at the store.
Murchison allegedly admitted to the thefts, but told store security that she could not remember an exact amount.
Stolen items included clothing, diapers, a television set and toys.
The Class C felony theft charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
– Andrea Johnson