Crime & Safety
Alleged Plot to Steal $5,000 in Gift Cards Foiled
John Darrell Hayes, 23, of Novi faces felony charges of embezzlement and making a false report after he allegedly concocted a story about an armed bandit.
An employee at a Novi pharmacy was charged was charged with embezzlement and making a false report to police after he allegedly plotted steal gift cards valued at $5,000.
John Darrell Hayes, 23, of Novi was arraigned in 52-1 District Court and charged with two felonies that carry prison sentences of up to 10 years each, the Observer & Eccentric reports.
Hayes reportedly told police that he was robbed while working at the Rite Aid store at 10 Mile and Meadowbrook roads on March 1. He claimed an armed suspect threatenedhim with a gun and handed him a note ordering him to load all of the gift cards and put cash in a bag. Hayes claimed he loaded the cards, but didn’t hand over cash.
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Novi investigators tracked down the cards after they were used at a Dearborn Walmart, the newspaper said.
“Long story short it appears he made up the whole story,” Novi Detective Sgt. Scott Baetens told the newspaper.
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Hayes confessed the plot after police revealed security video that showed him using the cards.
Two other people, who have not yet been charged, are implicated in the plot, the newspaper said.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
