PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Walmart employee in Mercer County is facing a felony embezzlement charge after being accused of loading over $1,500 onto prepaid debit cards using stolen lottery redemptions.
On April 2, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., Corporal N.J. Mason of the West Virginia State Police responded to the Walmart located at 201 Greasy Ridge Road in Princeton following a complaint from the store’s loss prevention team.
According to Walmart employees Jesse Otey and Tyler Wyatt, the alleged theft took place on March 31 between 8:43 p.m. and 8:58 p.m. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Brandon Michael Nichols, an employee in the store’s service center, processing three prepaid Visa card transactions using fraudulent lottery redemptions—each valued at $500. A fourth transaction for $5.06 was attempted but voided.
The transactions, all traced to Nichols, are as follows:
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8:43 p.m. — Redemption: $505.00 / Debit Load: $500.00
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8:52 p.m. — Redemption: $506.00 / Debit Load: $500.00
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8:58 p.m. — Redemption: $506.00 / Debit Load: $500.00
All receipts reportedly had Nichols’ name printed at the bottom.
After reviewing transaction records and video surveillance, law enforcement is requesting a warrant for felony embezzlement against Nichols. The total amount in question exceeds $1,500.
The investigation is ongoing.
