ORLANDO, Fla. — A manager from an Orange County UPS store was arrested, accused of digging through packages and stealing money orders and gift cards from them.
Police say he stole the money orders and gift cards and used them to go on several shopping sprees. Investigators say he spent at least $8,000.
Jonathan Jimenez, 29, was arrested Monday morning at the UPS store on Chickasaw Trail and Lake Underhill Road (see map) .
MANAGER'S ARREST: Raw Video | See Images
Detectives say there's no telling how many packages he opened, but detectives say they can prove three thefts.
"I never did anything wrong. I've been here for five years and everyone knows I wouldn't steal from anybody," Jimenez told WFTV reporter Q. McCray.
Jimenez says he's not a crook.
"My customers know I'm not a thief," he said.
He made that clear to WFTV five times after he was cuffed in the early-morning bust.
Orange county detectives say otherwise. They believe the store manager stole at least $8,000 in gift cards and money orders from customers who were sending them via UPS.
"We had victims show up and say they sent out cards and they never arrived," said Detective William Cruz, Economic Crimes Unit.
Detectives told WFTV when customers showed up to the UPS store Jimenez knew what they were shipping because he would ask them. Once they were gone he'd open the packages, take the money orders and gift cards inside them, then go on a shopping spree.
Cops say video shows him using a Target gift card he's accused of stealing.
Customers were stunned about the warrant out for his arrest.
"He was always very jovial and very professional," said a customer.
"Holy cow, he was almost like a son to the owner," said another customer.
WFTV found out the store owners knew about the theft complaints dating back to February of 2009 and did nothing about it. WFTV walked into the store to speak with the owner, but were kicked out.
Jimenez is charged with grand theft, but he could be facing federal charges in the future if federal agents can determine he was opening United States Postal Service mail as well.
WFTV
