Couple Returns Stolen Merchandise for $2,000 in Refunds, Police Say

A couple stole merchandise and returned the stolen goods to JC Penney for cash and gift cards, St. Louis County Police said. The couple obtained $1,957 in fraudulent refunds, police said.

Nathan Bent, 27, of the 100 block of West Velma Avenue in Lemay, and Heather McRath, 33, of the 400 block of Brooktree Drive in Ballwin, each were charged Nov. 5 with felony theft.

St. Louis County Police said they were caught after carrying six pairs of jeans out of the JC Penney store in South County Center Sept. 6. Bent and McRath already were being investigated by JC Penney security personnel who suspected they stole merchandise and returned it to the store in return for gift cards, police said.

McRath said they stole merchandise from the store each day from Sept. 3 through Sept. 6, according to a police report. However, an investigation showed they obtained fraudulent refunds as early as June 6, police said.

Bail was set at $10,000 each for Bent and McRath.

For more crime information on Mehlville-Oakville Patch, see the following articles:

• Police: BB Gun in Pants is Man's Third Theft in Three Years