Crime & Safety

Big Lots Manager Stole From Store, Deputies Say

The manager of the Land O' Lakes Big Lots faces criminal charges after deputies say he swiped items from the store.

LAND O’ LAKES, FL β€” A Big Lots manager stands accused of taking part in a ruse to steal items from the store he was hired to oversee.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Luis Enrique Chacon, 40, on two occasions rang up merchandise for a customer and then voided the transactions. He then put merchandise back into the customer’s cart and let the person leave the 2414 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. store, an arrest report states.

Deputies say Chacon and the unknown accomplice operated the ruse on Dec. 6 and again on Dec. 8. Merchandise taken on Dec. 8 was valued at more than $300, the report said. It is unknown how much the items allegedly stolen on Dec. 6 were worth.

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Chacon, a Port Richey resident, was arrested following an investigation into the alleged crimes. He was brought into custody Tuesday, Dec. 20, charged with scheme to defraud over $300.

The report noted that Chacon invoked his Miranda rights and refused to talk to investigators following his arrest. The identity of the customer Chacon is accused of working with remains unknown.

Find out what's happening in Land O' Lakesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

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