$5K Reward Offered For Information In NoVA Credit Card Thefts

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Police Department are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of two men wanted for stealing personal belongings, including credit cards, from employees at seven convenience stores across the county, according to police.

Investigators have obtained 28 arrest warrants for 55-year-old James Shelton of Washington, D.C., who they identified as the primary suspect in this case, according to the incident report.

The most recent robbery took place on Sept. 15 at the CVS located at 5652 Pickwick Road in Centreville. An employee told police that while she was working at the front of the store, someone stole her credit cards and other personal belongings from the employee break room, according to police.

The following are the businesses at which police say Shelton committed the thefts.

In each of the thefts, Shelton entered the businesses, took the belongings from an unsecured break room and then left, according to police. He then would quickly use the credit cards at various other retailers.

Police are also asking the public's help in identifying the man in the photo above who they said was involved with Shelton in the thefts under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case, knows the whereabouts of James Shelton, or the identify of the other suspect is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 703-256-8035. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web –Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000. Leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

To help prevent theft in businesses and employee areas, FCPD recommend the following safety measures:

• Secure all personal belongings in lockers or locked drawers during work hours.
• Avoid leaving purses, wallets, or electronic devices unattended in breakrooms or unsecured offices.
• Limit access to employee-only areas by keeping doors locked and requiring key cards or staff entry codes.
• Install and regularly review surveillance cameras that monitor entryways, storage areas, and breakrooms.
• Remind staff to keep only essential items at work and to avoid storing large amounts of cash or multiple credit cards on-site.