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November 11, 2009

Gift card fraud prompts charges

By BOB GIBBINS



A Tahlequah woman faces a felony and misdemeanor charges after an alleged fraud involving Walmart gift cards.

Cherokee County prosecutors charged Connie Marie Walters, 36, with felony and misdemeanor counts of obtaining cash or merchandise by bogus check/false pretense. Her bond was set at $10,000 on an arrest warrant signed by Special District Judge Sandy Crosslin.

Walters is on a deferred five-year judgment on a similar charge.

Walters allegedly purchased gift cards at Walmart Oct. 24. According to an affidavit filed in the case, her debit card was declined, but the sales clerk had already activated the cards and handed them to her.

Authorities say Walters returned cards that weren’t activated to Walmart and kept the activated cards, which were used to make purchases at a later time. Walters allegedly made purchases of about $1,000 with the cards.

The misdemeanor count indicates Walters went to EZ Mart Oct. 29 to obtain a rechargeable VISA card.

She allegedly refused to pay for the card and then activated it later on her own, using a number she obtained at the store.

The felony count is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

The misdemeanor charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to a year and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Assistant District Attorney Josh King is prosecuting the case.

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