Four From Tampa Busted For Walmart Scam

WATERFORD, CT—"See a few cop cars at Walmart this afternoon," Waterford Police asked on Facebook.

Waterford Police were called to Walmart by store security Friday afternoon as "loss prevention" staff were watching four people thought to be "conducting a scam at the register."

Police explained the hustle "involved distracting the cashier, accessing the register and walking out with free merchandise which is later returned for cash at other Walmart stores."

Police said the suspects are believed to have pulled the same con and theft at several other Walmart stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

"We have been in contact with other agencies and charges are likely from them as well," police wrote, adding that when cops confronted the group, one person "struggled, two ran and one attempted to flee in the rented truck."

All four were caught and arrested. All four are from Tampa, Florida. And all four are being held on $10,000 bond.

Brent Simmons, 23, was charged with conspiracy, third-degree larceny, and interfering with an officer; Artianna Wiggins, 23, was charged with third-degree larceny, and interfering with an officer; Dominique Butler, 23, was charged with third-degree larceny; and Lequisha Day, 23, charged with third-degree larceny.

Police said the cash the crew got from registers, and merchandise, as well as their rental car, were seized as evidence.