A Southern Pines man is facing multiple felony charges after Aberdeen police accused him of stealing cash, lottery tickets, cigarettes and other merchandise from the convenience store where he worked.
According to information released by the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to Mac’s Exxon in Aberdeen on July 21 after receiving a report concerning an alleged larceny by an employee.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Jaleel Jabar Liles of Southern Pines.
Surveillance Video Reviewed During Investigation
Investigators said they collected statements and reviewed surveillance footage from the business. Police allege the video showed Liles removing cash from the register and taking lottery tickets while working at the store on July 21.
Liles was arrested and initially charged with felony larceny by an employee.
During a search following the arrest, officers reportedly discovered cash believed to have been stolen from the store concealed in different parts of the suspect’s clothing.
Liles appeared before a Moore County magistrate and was ordered held without bond, according to police.
Additional Alleged Thefts Investigated
The investigation continued after the initial arrest. Aberdeen police said officers developed additional information indicating that merchandise may also have been taken during shifts on July 18 and July 19.
Investigators allege Liles stole additional cash, cigarettes and lottery tickets during those shifts. Police also accused him of providing merchandise to some customers without requiring payment.
Authorities estimated that the combined value of the allegedly stolen cash and merchandise exceeded $1,250.
Following the continued investigation, officers obtained additional warrants charging Liles with two more counts of felony larceny by an employee, two counts of felony possession of stolen goods and one count of felony larceny.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office served the additional warrants while Liles remained in custody. He was again ordered held without bond, according to the police report.
Charges Remain Allegations
The investigation highlights the role surveillance footage and business records can play when authorities examine allegations of internal theft. Employee-theft cases can involve multiple transactions or incidents occurring over several days, requiring investigators to review individual work shifts and store records.
No information was immediately released concerning a future court date or whether additional charges could be filed.
All charges in the case are allegations. Liles is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: Sandhills Sentinel, reporting information provided by the Aberdeen Police Department.
