Michigan man accused of swapping barcodes at Walmart self-checkout

ALPENA, Mich. — A Michigan man is accused of switching barcodes at a Walmart self-checkout kiosk, authorities said.

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Joseph Carl Alexander, 36, of Alpena, was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of first-degree retail fraud and being a habitual offender-fourth notice, The Detroit News reported.

A loss prevention employee at the Walmart in Alpena County told police they saw Alexander switching barcodes on expensive items with the barcodes from cheaper products, WJBK-TV reported. The employee said that Alexander then took the items to the self-checkout station and scanned them, according to the television station.

When the employee attempted to speak to Alexander, he allegedly said he had to leave to check on his children, the News reported. The employee said that Alexander then fled from the store’s parking lot.

Investigators reviewed the Walmart store’s security video footage and identified the suspect as Alexander, according to the newspaper.

A review of surveillance video also showed that Alexander had allegedly been swapping barcodes since June and had stolen more than $1,100 worth of items, WJBK reported.

Alexander was later arrested and his bail was set at $25,000, the News reported. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 13.

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