MULLENS, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Two former employees of Cornerstone IGA in Mullens are facing serious charges after allegedly stealing more than $2,200 in merchandise and cash over several months, according to the West Virginia State Police.
Store management contacted the WVSP Jesse Detachment on June 6 to report suspected thefts involving Amanda Hawkins and a second employee. Both individuals were fired from the store on May 22 following an internal investigation.
According to Trooper B.M. Bane, the store manager discovered a pattern of suspicious refunds on Mondays when Hawkins was scheduled. After reviewing surveillance footage, it appeared that Hawkins and her co-worker were hiding unpaid groceries behind the counter, placing them in bags, storing them in a back refrigerator, and later leaving with the items without paying.
Upon retrieving and reviewing video footage and register reports, Trooper Bane confirmed the thefts had occurred repeatedly between January and May 2025. The investigation revealed:
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Amanda Hawkins allegedly stole $472.05 in cash refunds and $570.17 in merchandise
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The second employee allegedly stole $43.38 in cash refunds and $1,160.42 in merchandise
In total, the pair is accused of taking $1,730.59 worth of goods and $515.43 in cash using fake refunds and covert removal of merchandise, as seen in multiple surveillance clips.
Trooper Bane has requested warrants for both individuals on the following charges:
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One count of Embezzlement
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One count of Conspiracy
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One count of Grand Larceny
All offenses occurred in Wyoming County, West Virginia, and the investigation remains ongoing.
