WESTFIELD – A city woman was caught on security footage pretending to “return” an item.
Just after noon on July 23, Erin L. Nichols, walked into Ocean State Job Lot, located at 231 E. Main Street, empty-handed, according to court records.
Nichols selected a tarp valued at $179.99 and took it to customer service counter to return the tarp as if she had previously purchased it.
Nichols, 24, of Linden Avenue, received a store credit for $179.99 and left the store, according to court records.
The store manager realized something was “not right” so the security footage was reviewed and it was evident what Nichols had actually done, according to court records.
Nichols had provided a proper Massachusetts driver’s license for the transaction and her OLN (Operator License Number) was written on the return receipt.
It was obvious that the person in the RMV photo assigned to the OLN matched the woman caught on the security footage committing the crime, according to court records.
Nichols was charged via criminal complaint.
On Tuesday, Nichols was released on her personal recognizance after being arraigned in Westfield District Court on charges of larceny under $250.
Nichols will be back in court on January 13.
Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at [email protected]
