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Scheme attempt at Wal-Mart leads to Tucson couple's arrest
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Benson Police apprehended a Tucson couple last Tuesday night after they allegedly trying to return a flat-screen television set at Wal-Mart using a fraudulent receipt.
Interim Police Chief Paul Moncada said employees of Wal-Mart on 4th Street notified them around 7:30 p.m. that the couple had left the store after trying to return the television set.
Moncada said officers were able to track them down on westbound Interstate 10, stopping them just before the J-Six/Mescal exit.
Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock approved a search warrant for the contents of the vehicle.
Moncada said police found three more flat-screen televisions in the car.
At that time, Lisa Marie Patison, 39, and Justin Cletus, 29, were placed under arrest.
The Tucson couple was later charged with fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, two counts of theft, three counts of forgery and possession of a dangerous drug.
Police found methamphetamines in the car.
Moncada said unfortunately this has become a new trend for criminals. They will go inside a major store, pick up an expensive item like a television, and try to walk out, presenting the fraudulent receipt at the door.
Judge Knoblock set bail for the couple at $250,000 each last Wednesday, and they have been sent to the Cochise County jail in Bisbee.
On Thursday, Moncada said the Benson Police were able to execute a search warrant for Patison's house in Tucson. Inside police found more televisions and marijuana.
Moncada said Benson had a similar case of fraud at Wal-Mart about six months ago.
Benson Police apprehended a Tucson couple last Tuesday night after they allegedly trying to return a flat-screen television set at Wal-Mart using a fraudulent receipt.
Interim Police Chief Paul Moncada said employees of Wal-Mart on 4th Street notified them around 7:30 p.m. that the couple had left the store after trying to return the television set.
Moncada said officers were able to track them down on westbound Interstate 10, stopping them just before the J-Six/Mescal exit.
Justice of the Peace Joe Knoblock approved a search warrant for the contents of the vehicle.
Moncada said police found three more flat-screen televisions in the car.
At that time, Lisa Marie Patison, 39, and Justin Cletus, 29, were placed under arrest.
The Tucson couple was later charged with fraudulent schemes, conspiracy, two counts of theft, three counts of forgery and possession of a dangerous drug.
Police found methamphetamines in the car.
Moncada said unfortunately this has become a new trend for criminals. They will go inside a major store, pick up an expensive item like a television, and try to walk out, presenting the fraudulent receipt at the door.
Judge Knoblock set bail for the couple at $250,000 each last Wednesday, and they have been sent to the Cochise County jail in Bisbee.
On Thursday, Moncada said the Benson Police were able to execute a search warrant for Patison's house in Tucson. Inside police found more televisions and marijuana.
Moncada said Benson had a similar case of fraud at Wal-Mart about six months ago.
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Tim wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:17 PM: