Walmart scheme trio sold gift cards to pawn shops

Michael Newton (Rochester Police photos)

ROCHESTER – The threesome arrested in a shoplifting and return-items scheme on Wednesday were stealing and returning items for Walmart gift cards, then selling them to local pawn shops which normally pay bearers half price for the card value, police said on Thursday.

Michael Newton, 66, of 55 Sampson Road, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal liability for conduct of another as well as theft by deception, all Class B misdemeanors. He was released on $5,000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear at the 7^th Circuit Rochester District Court next month.

Courtney McMurray

Also arrested was David Robinson, 22, of 376 Kings Hwy., New Durham. He was charged with two counts of willful concealment, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception, class B Misdemeanors; and one count of criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor, which could include possible jail time. Robinson was released on $5,000 personal recognizance pending his next court appearance next month.

Finally, Courtney McMurray, 26, 14 Elkins St., Franklin, N.H., was charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception, a Class B misdemeanor.

McMurray was released on $1,500 personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear at the 7^th Circuit Rochester District Court in March.

David Robinson

Members of the group who returned the items wouldn’t receive cash back because they had no receipt, Rochester Police Capt. Paul Toussaint explained, but they would get a courtesy gift card for the value of the item returned. They would then go to various pawns shops and sell the cards for half price to get the cash.

The investigation in the case continues. If anyone has any information pertaining to this case, they are asked to contact the Rochester Police Department at 330-7127.  Alternatively, calls can be made to the Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500. All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards may be given for information leading to an arrest.  You can also text the Rochester Crimline at Crimes (274637) in the body write TEXT4CASH followed by your tip.