Rappers Arrested In Home Depot Card Scam

NORCROSS, GA — Three men, including two members of an Atlanta rap group, have been arrested for a $4,000 gift card theft from a Home Depot in Norcross.

Jalen Darden, 21, Kelderick Giles, 23, and Evan Griffin, 22, were arrested on Thursday. They each were released on $11,200 bond.

Giles and Griffin are members of the rap group Cool Amerika, performing as Bally Benjamin and Stunt McLovin.

Last week, Gwinnett County Police said they'd received an anonymous tip identifying the men as three of the four suspects in the Norcross theft. The fourth suspect remains unidentified.

The theft was reported by a cashier shortly before 5 p.m. on January 15 at the store at 4136 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross.

But, while the cashier initially reported a robbery, he has since admitted to helping his friends steal the gift cards. He was arrested for false report of a crime and theft by taking on January 24, police said.

Investigators have since learned that the cards were used to get cash at several Publix grocery stores in DeKalb County.

The crime is similar in nature to several either perpetrated or attempted by what police believe was card fraud ring operating in and around Atlanta in December.

FBI Seeks Help Catching Card Scam Suspect

In one instance, a cashier was accused of loading at least 24 gift cards with $1,000 each, but not charging a patron for them. Police said the tactic had been used in at least one other theft attempt.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office