UPC codes used to heist big ticket items for deep discounts
By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 15th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
HERMISTON – Hermiston police have arrested Jeremy Wells, 41, a transient on charges involving theft and forgery. The arrest was made Wednesday night at Walmart for a probation violation and on probable cause from a series of thefts occurring between April and June.
When we was taken into custody, officers found a stun gun on his person. As a convicted felon, he is not allowed to possess such an item. In addition, Wells had UPC codes in his possession. The earlier thefts involved a suspect altering UPC codes on expensive items in order to pay a much lower amount. Police Chief Jason Edmiston said that in 22 visits to the store he allegedly absconded with more than $4,292 in stolen property.
Edmiston said that Wells confessed to attempted theft last night as well as the 22 prior thefts. Charges against him include first-degree theft, felony forgery, and 22 counts of criminal trespass. His preliminary bail is set at $140,000.
