An Amazon employee is accused of taking $4,000 worth of customer’s items and gift cards then shipping empty boxes to them, deputies say.

>> Read more trending news

Elvis Edgardo Soto, 20, took items including several iPhone cases, screen protectors, eyebrow pomade and a toy pony, while he worked at an Amazon fulfillment center, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

An employee became suspicious when gift cards were redeemed six hours after they were issued. Soto was linked to multiple suspicious redemptions. He told investigators he would keep the items he wanted and then send out empty boxes.

Soto was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony third-degree grand theft. He was released after posting $500 bond.

Amazon said it reimbursed customers who received empty packages. The company also said it no longer employed Soto.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

About the Author

Featured

Lenox Square in Buckhead has signed new leases with 18 retailers and restaurants this year, as the shopping center and its Buckhead sister mall, Phipps Plaza, work to attract new customers. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman