After a two-year investigation into a Home Depot, it’s revealed that a store assistant manager stole $140,000 worth of products.
Records show an employee alerted Home Depot of the possible theft of products by the assistant manager, so officials began watching 44-year-old Jeff Brion Hodges.
Hodges created "fraudulent transaction quotes" for unknown customers, normally performed by contractors, and would then have the "customers" leave the store without paying for the items, records show. It is unknown to investigators how or if Hodges personally gained from these thefts.
Police say Home Depot was able to track Hodges’ activities over a two-year period while he was working at stores in Glendale and Scottsdale.
Although Hodges was already convicted of a felony theft back in 2008 while working at Lowes, he was able to secure the job at Home Depot before his conviction. He managed to work for Home Depot for nine years before his plot was discovered.
Police say his scheme defrauded Home Depot of at least $140,000. Hodges requested an attorney when arrested by police on November 10.
Hodges has been charged with felony theft.
