Store Worker Charged in $3,300 Return Scheme

A  employee faces a felony charge after police say he used a merchandise return scheme to steal more than $3,000 from the store over a two-month period.

John Gamble, 22, was arrested Wednesday afternoon after store security reported to police he had been arranging for a friend to walk into the store and return merchandise from store shelves while Gamble was working the return desk.

Police believe on at least five occasions the friend would select random merchandise from the store on Westchester Avenue and bring them to Gamble's desk. Gamble would then apply a return credit to his own debit card for the value of the goods.

During other incidents, police believe Gamble would exchange items in the store and allow his friend to walk out with them without paying.

Gamble, of South 2nd Avenue in Mt. Vernon, started stealing from the store in December 2011 and continued until earlier this month, police say. During that time police believe he was able to steal a total of $3,376.

Police charged Gamble with third-degree grand larceny, a felony. He was held for arraignment.