A Hawarden teen was arrested on felony theft charges after an incident at the Sioux Center Walmart.
According to a criminal complaint, 18-year-old Christopher Ruiz of Hawarden is accused of theft as an employee. He was arrested last week.
During the investigation, a Walmart official provided evidence, including video footage, of Ruiz operating the cash register. According to Walmart, on multiple occasions, Ruiz accepted cash from customers for their purchases, but pocketed the cash instead of putting it in the cash register. Store officials went back as far as November 10th, and since that time, they say the amount stolen was $4,700. Store officials will review Ruiz’s entire time at Walmart to get the total amount.
Ruiz provided a written statement to Walmart employees in which he admitted to taking candy, drinks, and approximately six to seven thousand dollars.
Ruiz was charged with second-degree theft, which is a class D felony and carries a sentence of up to five years in prison. He will be arraigned December 18.
At last report, Ruiz remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of a $5000 cash or surety bond.
Courtesy of Media Partner KIWA
