Cumming Man 'Returns' Goods Just Taken Off Shelves

Milton police arrested a 27-year-old Cumming man after he allegedly used store receipts to "return" goods he had just taken off shelves of the Walmart moments before.

A loss prevention officer at the Walmart on Windward Parkway said the suspect was observed walking into the store on Jan. 13 without any items in his hands. He then was seen on video taking a men`s jacket, a shower curtain, and a package of paper towels off shelves. The suspect immediately took his shopping cart straight to customer service, and handed over receipts to be given cash – $39.80 – for returns.

The store's loss prevention officer confronted the man in the store and asked him to talk about the returns, but the man left the store. The store employee got his license plate number, which allowed a Milton police officer to track him down at his Cumming address.

Edgar Rodriguez Jr., 27, of Cumming, was arrested on a charge of theft by deception. He remains in Fulton County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bond.

Open Garage Door Inviting to Table Thieves

An Arbor North Way homeowner is missing a table and chairs that had been left in her garage with its door open.

The victim told Milton police on Jan. 11 that the theft took place between 10 and 11 a.m. on Jan. 8. She also believes the thieves entered her car, because its door was locked, and she keeps it unlocked.

She reported seeing an older model yellow pickup truck driven slowly through the neighborhood with two men in their 20s inside earlier in the week. 

Milton Man's Dad is His Chief Suspect

A Milton man suspects his father used his credit card information without permission to buy a cellphone.

The victim told Milton police on Jan. 7 that a charge was made on his Best Buy credit card in November 2012 in Ohio near where his father lives. The transaction appeared legitimate to the store, so they closed their investigation.

Identity Fraud Used Victim's Maiden Name

A Milton woman first learned someone had used her identity fraudulently when T-Mobile contacted her about a past due account.

The victim told Milton police on Jan. 7 that she received a letter from T-Mobile that said an account opened in her maiden name was past due by $1,011.08. She reported the fraud to T-Mobile before notifying Milton police.

For questions about this blotter, email Bob Pepalis.