FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County Walmart employee is facing a felony charge after police allege he stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store over a period of several weeks.
Steven John Zmich is charged with fraudulent schemes following an investigation into incidents that allegedly occurred between July 18 and Sept. 5, according to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette County Magistrate Court.
Police said they were called to Fayetteville Walmart on Sept. 6 regarding the termination of an employee. According to the complaint, Walmart had reviewed register transactions and surveillance footage and discovered several instances in which Zmich allegedly took merchandise without paying for it.
Investigators allege Zmich repeatedly selected merchandise, including items from locked cases, and took the products to a self-checkout register. The complaint states that on several occasions, Zmich allegedly scanned or paid for lower-priced merchandise instead of the items he was taking from the store.
Items listed in the complaint include cologne, automotive electronics, a reciprocating saw, engine oil and other merchandise.
Police allege the incidents occurred on multiple dates between July 18 and Sept. 5. The complaint lists the total value of the allegedly unpaid merchandise at $1,050.43.
A magistrate found probable cause in the case and a warrant was issued.
The charge against Zmich is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
