Dallas Co. Sheriff’s Office investigators arrest two suspected thieves

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Dallas Co. investigators arrest two people suspected of stealing thousands of dollars from their employers.

Sheriff Mike Granthum says deputies arrested 43 year old Valerie Merchant of Selma following a months-long theft investigation at the Dollar General store in Orrville.

“It’s alleged that over $30,000 has been stolen,” said Granthum.

“It’s not hard to follow the thefts. There’s cameras in every angle of Dollar General. And plus when you close your register every night, I mean, that stuff’s got to match. And then when they do inventory and that stuff doesn’t match, I mean, it’s gon’ show a red flag.

Granthum says Merchant is charged with Theft First degree. She was interviewed — arrested — and processed — then released after posting $60,000 bail.

“And during that interview, she admitted to her participating in some thefts. People would get items and they would bring them back and she would do a false return or what have you. And she would do returns that people didn’t even purchase.”

Deputies also arrested 32 year old Alex Thomas, III of Selma — for theft.

Thomas is accused of stealing an undetermined amount of money — from the dry cleaners where he was employed.

“People would pay for their clothes being cleaned and then he would pocket the money, or he would take money out of the register at certain times of the day. You know, $20 dollars here, but when you do $20 dollars here, $30 dollars there over a month or two month period of time, that adds up. And that’s a significant loss for a small business like that.

Thomas is free tonight after posting a $5000 dollar bond.

Sheriff Granthum says both cases remain under investigation — and more arrests are possible.