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Couple accused of theft by swindling for American Girl dolls

On Behalf of | Feb 4, 2015 | Criminal Defense

American Girl dolls are a collectible series of toys, and since they are collectibles, the dolls can be expensive. According to the Minnesota authorities, a husband and wife — who were both former law enforcement officers — initiated a scheme centered around American Girl dolls. The couple has been arrested and charged with theft by swindling.

The investigators suspect that the scheme began in 2013 when the couple made a large American Girl purchase online. They bought the dolls at a discounted rate, and since then, they have allegedly returned approximately 130 of them. The couple would purportedly return the dolls at the American Girl store in the Mall of America for their full price, which has yielded about $5,300 back to the couple. In March, American Girl associates allegedly became suspicious and began looking into returns without receipts, which ultimately led to the criminal investigation.

They were both arrested on Nov. 26, but they are only just now receiving their court summons. At the time, the husband was retired from the Rosemount police force and was managing a fast food restaurant. The wife was fired from her position as a special agent with the Department of Commerce in the fraud division.

No matter the evidence that the Minnesota investigators claim to have against the couple, they are presumed innocent until — and only if — proved guilty. Additionally, the prosecution will have to present evidence that is both competent and relevant in an effort to prove each of their theft charges. If such evidence is not presented, then no conviction can be obtained.

Source: twincities.com, “Former Rosemount cop, wife charged in American Girl doll scheme”, Nick Ferraro, Jan. 23, 2015

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