Unsolved Crimes

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MPD Burglary and Theft Investigation
December 03, 2021

Updated: December 8, 2021

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

BURGLARY/THEFT INVESTIGATION

The Montgomery Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that Samuel Brittin III, wanted for Burglary and Theft Investigation, is now in police custody.

Investigators advised that Samuel Brittin III was taken into custody on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, and placed in the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Samuel was charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Theft of Property 3rd Degree.

Samuel Brittin III was wanted for a Burglary and Theft Investigation that occurred between September 26, 2021, and October 5, 2021, in the 1900 block of McLemore Drive.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Published: December 3, 2021

BURGLARY/THEFT INVESTIGATION

1900 Block of McLemore Drive

Montgomery, Alabama

Case: MPD 2021-120321

Montgomery Police Department

334-625-2832

The Montgomery Police Department seeks the location of the pictured suspect wanted for Burglary and Theft of Property Investigations within the City of Montgomery, AL.

The pictured suspect is Samuel Brittin III, age 42, 5’11’, weighing approximately 185 lbs. The Montgomery Police Department wants Samuel for a Burglary and Theft that occurred between 09/25/2021-10/05/2021 between 12:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. within the 1900 block of McLemore Drive. The Montgomery Police Department needs assistance from the public with the location of the pictured suspect.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please immediately call Montgomery Police at 334-625-2832 or CrimeStoppers 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or download our P3-tips app. Please ensure you receive a Tip ID and Password to dialog if there is a follow-up question.

You may also use CrimeStoppers toll-free number by calling 1-833-AL1-STOP.

Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MPD Burglary and Theft Investigation
December 02, 2021

Updated December 6, 2021

SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

BURGLARY/THEFT INVESTIGATION

The Montgomery Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that Ellen Barkley, wanted for Burglary and Theft Investigation, is now in police custody.

Investigators advised that Ellen Barkley was taken into custody on Friday, December 3, 2021, after receiving an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers and was placed in the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Barkley was charged with seven counts of third-degree Burglary, five counts of first-degree Theft of Property, and one count of third-degree Theft of Property.

Ellen Barkley was wanted for a Burglary and Theft Investigation that occurred between September 26, 2021, and October 5, 2021, in the 1900 block of McLemore Drive.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Published: December 2, 2021

BURGLARY/THEFT INVESTIGATION

1900 Block of McLemore Drive

Montgomery, Alabama

Case: MPD 2021-120221

Montgomery Police Department

334-625-2832

The Montgomery Police Department seeks the location of the pictured suspect wanted for Burglary and Theft of Property Investigations within the City of Montgomery, AL.

The pictured suspect is Ellen Barkley, AKA “Ellen Grayson,” age 41, 5’09’, weighing approximately 141 lbs. The Montgomery Police Department wants Ellen for a Burglary and Theft that occurred between 09/25/2021-10/05/2021 between 12:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. within the 1900 block of McLemore Drive. The Montgomery Police Department needs assistance from the public with the location of the pictured suspect.

You may also use CrimeStoppers toll-free number by calling 1-833-AL1-STOP.

Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Perfume Theft
December 01, 2021

Updated: December 1, 2021

IN CUSTODY

THEFT

Ulta Beauty

1400 Block of Cotton Exchange

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1025A

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that 2 out of 3 Felony Shoplifting suspects have been taken into custody.

Prattville Investigators advise that warrants have been served on both Reunca Deshanta Lewis and Michael Russell. Theft of property warrants were served on Lewis and Russell for the October 20th Dollar General offense. Lewis and Russell are no longer wanted by Law Enforcement. The third has yet to be identified and is still at large.

If you have any information regarding the identity of the third suspect, please immediately call the Prattville Police at 334-595-0252 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated: November 11, 2021

IDENTIFIED

THEFT

Ulta Beauty

1400 Block of Cotton Exchange

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1025A

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that the identity of 2 out of 3 Felony Shoplifting suspects have been obtained through the help of a CrimeStoppers anonymous tip.

Prattville Investigators advise that an anonymous tip identified Montgomery resident Reunca Deshanta Lewis and Montgomery resident Michael Russell. Both suspects now have felony Theft of Property warrants signed against them for the October 20th offense. The third has yet to be identified and is still at large.

Additional warrants are pending from another offense that occurred on 10/20/2021 at approximately 7:41 pm. Investigators say Reunca Lewis, Michael Russell, and the third yet to be identified offender entered a business in the 600 block of McQueen Smith Road. All three placed approximately $550.00 worth of merchandise into plastic totes and ran out of the business without purchasing the items.

Reunca Deshanta Lewis and Michael Russell are urged to turn themselves over to authorities immediately.

If you have any information regarding the identity of the third suspect or the whereabouts of all three suspects, please immediately call the Prattville Police at 334-595-0252 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Published: October 25, 2021

THEFT

Ulta Beauty

1400 Block of Cotton Exchange

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1025A

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department is investigating Felony Shoplifting that occurred and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

Investigators released video and still shots of 3 suspects concealing perfume at Ulta Beauty located in the 1400 block of Cotton Exchange on 10/21/21 at 7:00 pm. The female and the two male suspects collected several bottles of perfume and then placed them in a bag. Once concealed, they left the store without purchasing the concealed merchandise.

If you have any information regarding the identity of these suspects or their whereabouts, please immediately call the Prattville Police at 334-595-0252 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Credit Card Fraud
November 23, 2021

CREDIT CARD FRAUD

2700 Block of Legends Parkway

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1123A

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department is investigating a Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

On Wednesday November 3rd, 2021, Officers responded to the 2700 block of Legends Parkway in reference fraud. The suspect pictured used a stolen credit card to purchase merchandise from several businesses. The suspect was last seen in the pictured vehicle.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this suspect or his whereabouts, please immediately call the Prattville Police at 334-595-0252 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MPD Burglary/Theft Investigation
November 16, 2021

BURGLARY/THEFT INVESTIGATION

100 Block of Clanton Ave.

Montgomery, Alabama

Case: MPD 2021-179065

Montgomery Police Department

334-625-2832

The Montgomery Police Department seeks to identify the pictured suspect wanted for a Burglary and Theft of Property Investigation in Montgomery, AL.

The pictured suspect captured on surveillance is believed to be the same suspect involved in two other burglaries and thefts in the area of Clanton Avenue. The first Burglary occurred on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, @ 10:00 p.m., the second one happened on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 9:15 a.m., and the third offense occurred on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 2:00 a.m. The suspect involved in all three Burglaries appears to resemble one another. In two of the Burglary's surveillance photos, the suspect is wearing the same Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. The Montgomery Police Department needs help with the identity and location of the pictured suspect.

You may also use CrimeStoppers toll-free number by calling 1-833-AL1-STOP.

Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

LOST PROPERTY / FRAUD
November 15, 2021

THEFT / FRAUD

Thrift Store

900 Block of S. Memorial Drive

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1110028

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department is investigating a Theft of Lost Property and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

On 11/09/21 a victim lost his wallet at Hope In Action (Thrift Store) in Prattville, AL. The victim's wallet was located in the bathroom of Hope in Action but missing his credit cards.

At approximately 3:43 pm an unidentified female arrived at the business and entered. Investigators advise that the female suspect was seen using the victims credit card at the register to pay for unknown items.

The female also used the victims credit card at King Tires (4300 Narrow Ln Rd, Montgomery, AL) and La Pablana grocery store (288 Twin Lakes Pkwy, Montgomery, AL). She was possibly driving a red vehicle.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this suspect or her whereabouts, please immediately call the Prattville Police at 334-595-0252 or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Prattville Theft Suspects Struck Twice On Same Night
November 11, 2021

IDENTIFIED

THEFT

Ulta Beauty

1400 Block of Cotton Exchange

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-1025A

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

Reunca Deshanta Lewis and Michael Russell are urged to turn themselves over to authorities immediately.

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Theft By Deception
November 09, 2021

THEFT BY DECEPTION

Walgreens

3700 Block of Highway AL-14

Millbrook, Alabama

Case: MBPD21-1109B

Millbrook Police Department

The Millbrook Police Department is investigating Theft by Deception and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

On 11/5/2021 an unidentified male and female entered Walgreens in Millbrook and proceeded to confuse and scam the cashier into loading a gift card for $500 and an additional $110.36 of merchandise without remitting payment.

If you have any information regarding the identity of these suspects or their whereabouts, please immediately call the Police or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Quick Change Artist (National Association of Bunco Investigators NABI)

A Bunco crime; a Quick-Change Artist, or sometimes, a Short Change Artist, is someone who steals money by confusing cashiers while they are making change. They do this in many ways. Usually the thief attempts to distract or confuse the cashier during the transaction, does a quick sleight of hand, and then claims they were not given the correct amount. They're called "artists" because they are extraordinarily good at what they do.

How to Spot Quick-Change Scams

by Kay Tang - Updated June 29, 2018

https://bizfluent.com/how-2124296-spot-quick-change-scams.html

The Mechanics of the Scam

An example of a quick-change con typically begins with paying for a small item with a large bill, such as buying a beverage costing $1.20 with a $100 bill. While the cashier is counting the change, the con distracts the cashier by chatting about a random subject. Then, the con changes his mind and asks to pay for the item with a smaller bill. He hands the cashier a $5 bill and asks for the $100 bill back. The cashier forgets that he's already made change for the $100 and hands the original $100 bill back to the con artist. He then makes change for the $5 bill. The thief pockets the $98.20 in change from the first transaction as well as the $3.80 in change from the second transaction. He has paid for the beverage two times but only used the store's money.

Common Targets

Quick-change con artists target new or inexperienced salespeople who are trying to deliver fast customer service. They also target young employees who may not be as aggressive in managing the confusion of multiple transactions and are wary of slowing down a line of customers. The types of establishments typically victimized by fast-cash scams can include fast-food joints, gas stations, hotels and even ice cream stores.

Recognizing the Con Job

Employers can train salespeople about how to spot a quick-change scam. For example, employees should be wary of customers trying to purchase a low-cost item with a large bill. Employees should request that the customer use a smaller bill for the transaction. If the customer doesn't have smaller bill, employees can direct them to the nearest bank to break the large bill into smaller denominations. Small businesses can post signs which explicitly state that they only do transactions with bills no larger than $20. Employees should be warned of customers requesting multiple transactions and of duos that may be working together to distract them.

Stopping the Scam

Police advise that cashiers should place large bills on top of the cash register, the till or on the counter in full view. Cashiers shouldn't put a large bill in the cash register until they've completed one transaction. Also, the cashier should count aloud the change that has been made. If the customer starts to barrage them with requests for multiple transactions, they should purposefully slow the transaction process down and manage each transaction separately. If the customer begins to bully or intimidate the cashier and the confusion escalates, the cashier should stop the transaction completely, close the register and call for the manager.

Ramer AL Burglary
November 09, 2021

BURGLARY

Business

23000 Block of Highway 231

Montgomery County, Alabama

Case: MCSO21-1028A

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a business burglary and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspect.

On October 30, 2021, at approximately 01:30 AM an unknown individual burglarized a business in the 23000 Block of Highway 231 Ramer, Alabama 36069. The individual was wearing grey sweatpants, a black sweatshirt with what appeared to be the numbers “7017” written on the chest, and black tennis shoes.

If you have any information regarding the identity of this suspect or his whereabouts, please immediately call the Police or CrimeStoppers using our 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download our P3-tips app. Make sure you receive a Tip ID and Password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. Your Tip may lead to a Cash Reward!

If you need to stay anonymous call CrimeStoppers.

We don’t need your information, Just theirs!

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Prattville Shoplifting Suspects
October 20, 2021

Updated: October 20, 2021

ARRESTED

THEFT

Retail Store

500 Block of Pinnacle Place

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-0923049

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that two suspects have been arrested that were wanted for Felony Theft of Property. Prattville Investigators served warrants on both suspects for Felony Theft of Property 3rd degree.

Tamesha Whatley and Ki’wuana Ward turned themselves over to the Prattville Police on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Whatley and Ward are no longer wanted by Law Enforcement. No other details were released.

Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is assumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated: October 19, 2021

IDENTIFIED

THEFT

Retail Store

500 Block of Pinnacle Place

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-0923049

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department has officially notified CrimeStoppers that two suspects have been identified that were wanted for Felony Theft of Property.

Central Alabama CrimeStoppers received an anonymous tip advising the identity of both suspects after seeing their photos on a CrimeStoppers segment. Investigators confirmed their identities as Selma residents Tamesha Whatley and Ki’wuana Ward.

Prattville Investigators have obtained warrants on both suspects for Felony Theft of Property 3rd degree. Tamesha Whatley and Ki’wuana Ward are urged to turn themselves over to authorities as soon as possible.

Published: September 27, 2021

THEFT

Retail Store

500 Block of Pinnacle Place

Prattville, Alabama

Case: PPD21-0923049

Prattville Police Department

334-595-0252

The Prattville Police Department is searching for two subjects wanted for Theft of Property.

Prattville Investigators released photos of two unidentified female suspects. On September 23, 2021, at approximately 1:45 pm, two unknown females entered a business located in the 500 block of Pinnacle Place. Once inside the business, the females concealed merchandise and then exited the business without paying for the merchandise that was concealed.