A Coca-Cola employee told his employer he had been taking company computers for so long, he lost track of how many he had, according to Cobb County police.
But investigators totaled up 53 laptops and other equipment that Thomas William Rogers III allegedly stole over a five-year period, police stated in an arrest warrant, obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The computers ranged from less than $500 to $2,500 and belonged to Coca-Cola Enterprises, near Marietta, police said.
In November, an anonymous caller contacted the business with information about company equipment in Rogers’ Powder Springs home, the warrant states.
“On November 17, 2013, the anonymous caller contacted Coke security and reported the company owned equipment was going to be moved at any moment due to a big fall out between the employee and his wife,” the warrant states. “He furnished an address and location of the residence and suggested immediate action.”
Two days later, a Coke security guard visited the home, and Rogers’ wife allowed the guard to search for stolen items, according to police.
“Upon entry Coke security observed bins filled with laptop computers, and other electronic equipment,” the warrant states.
Rogers’ wife also provided the company with two additional places to search, including the home of a co-worker Thomas Rogers was living with, according to police. Additionally equipment was found at two separate addresses.
In a written statement to his company, Thomas Rogers stated he had “a couple of boxes full of laptops” but “didn’t know how much equipment he had” because he had been accumulating it for five years, the warrant states.
An arrest warrant was secured Friday for Rogers, who surrendered Saturday and was booked into the Cobb County jail, records show. He was charged with felony theft by taking and misdemeanor theft by taking and released early Sunday after posting $25,000 bond.
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