A former cashier for a T.J. Maxx store in Johns Creek has been charged with two felony theft counts after he allegedly stole a customer's credit card and went on a spending spree – including at the store where he worked, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Markel Neiel Ficklin was arrested earlier this month after a police investigated a customer’s report that she had lost her credit card while shopping at the T.J. Maxx on Medlock Bridge Road on May 2, according to a Johns Creek Police Department incident report.
Ivan Diaz-Moreno told Channel 2 that he had taken his visiting sister-in-law shopping that day. When they went to check out, the 20-year-old Ficklin was behind the counter.
“She tried to swipe the card a couple of times,” Diaz-Moreno said. “The clerk asked for the card and said, ‘It's not working.’ "
The next day, the victim realized the credit card was missing. She went online and discovered $3,800 in fraudulent charges on the card, including $1,300 in jewelry and $350 at a Footlocker store, Diaz-Moreno said. The woman contacted police.
Police told Channel 2 that they believe Ficklin used the card in several places, including his own store.
Johns Creek police Lt. Chris Byers said, “Through video evidence in the store, we were able to confirm that he'd rang up the purchase. The cashier then concealed [the victim’s] credit card under the register, later purchasing other items at another register, using our victim's card."
Ficklin surrendered to police June 4 and was charged with credit card theft and financial transaction card fraud, both felonies, according to Fulton County jail records. The Roswell man was released the next day on $10,000 bond.
Ficklin declined to comment when Channel 2 contacted him by phone.
Police said Ficklin could face more charges in Alpharetta and in Forsyth County because some fraudulent charges were made there.
Byers had advice for shoppers: “Beware of who's looking, who's near you, and always make sure your credit card goes back in your wallet when you're done."
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