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2 arrested in merchandise return scheme defrauding Utah stores of over $50K

Updated: 06-11-2024, 02.27 AM

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Two people were arrested for their alleged involvement in a merchandise return scheme that defrauded Utah retail stores out of over $50,000, according to court documents.

Aja Lenae Maliki Garcia, 37, and Darnell Hadden Parks, 30, were each booked into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail and face one count of second-degree felony pattern of unlawful activity.

Garcia also faces 18 counts of third-degree felony unlawful possession of another person’s ID and misdemeanor retail theft. Parks also faces 22 counts of third-degree felony unlawful possession of another person’s ID, one count of third-degree felony retail theft, two counts of third-degree felony possession of a financial card, and misdemeanor charges for providing false information and possession of a controlled substance.

According to charging documents, Garcia and Parks are accused of going to several stores throughout Salt Lake County, picking out merchandise off shelves, and attempting to “return” them for a refund.

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Police say the two were able to successfully return $804.19 worth of merchandise to a retail store in Taylorsville and failed to make a second return. Parks and Garcia then allegedly left the store with the items without paying and returned them at a different location for a total refund amount of $924.23.

These two incidents were reportedly caught on security footage, leading police to locate the suspects and initiate a traffic stop.

Police say officers found several driver’s licenses, identification cards, social security cards, and passports belonging to other people in the car. Names on some of the cards matched those allegedly given to retail stores to complete the refunds, including “Micah,” “Carey” and “Christian.”

Loss prevention for one retail chain told detectives there had been over $52,306 in refunds completed under the “Micah” identity.

When speaking with detectives, Parks allegedly admitted to going to the stores and returning items saying it was “a stupid thing to do.” However, Parks denied knowing anything about the stolen IDs found in the car. Garcia allegedly admitted to going to the stores, adding she did not buy anything, but denied attempting to return or steal any items.

Police say the two suspects have an “extensive” criminal history, including arrests in multiple states for charges including stolen property, burglary, robbery, and providing false information.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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