Attorney General Dave Sunday announced charges against an Amazon employee who stole more than $50,000 worth of merchandise from a Bethel distribution center in recent weeks.
Nilson Peralta Rodriguez, 27, is charged with felony corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and related offenses.
Rodriguez was caught this week stealing 34 gaming memory sticks from the facility. Investigators determined he also stole 35 computer tablets and other electronics during recent work shifts.
”Our Organized Retail Crime Unit targets high-dollar theft schemes, like this one, which ultimately contribute to consumers paying higher prices for goods,” Attorney General Sunday said. “With recent legislative changes, the prosecution of these cases involve harsher penalties which send a deterrent message to potential offenders.”
Bethel Township Police Department assisted with the investigation.
Investigators began surveilling Rodriguez and caught him with the memory sticks — stashed in his work helmet — after he left the facility on Wednesday.
Investigators determined Rodriguez was stealing the goods to sell on the secondary market for a profit.
The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kelsey Ashworth of the Organized Retail Crime Unit. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
