FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
Driver’s license photo of Suspect
On February 26, 2024, Millbrook police responded to a business in the 3500 block of Highway 14, with regard to employee theft. The complainant, who is the district manager of the victim business, advised officers that he had been conducting an internal investigation into an employee suspected of theft. Upon management confronting the suspected employee, later identified as Jauriesh Z. Johnson, a 19-year-old Prattville resident, the employee admitted that he had engaged in a scheme to embezzle cash proceeds from the business over a period of time.
A review of the business’ financial records confirmed that cash deposits were not made into said business’ account from January 25, 2024 through February 19, 2024, which was the responsibility of the suspected offender, who was employed by the business as a store manager. The financial review confirmed that the alleged offender engaged in a continuing scheme to embezzle in excess of $2,500.00 of cash proceeds from his employer.
On April 26, 2024, detectives with the Millbrook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit obtained a warrant for Johnson’s arrest for one count of Theft of Property 1st Degree, pursuant to this investigation. Later, on April 26, 2024, Millbrook detectives, with the assistance of the Prattville Police Department, placed Johnson under arrest at his residence, which is in Prattville. Johnson was transported to the Millbrook Police Department for processing and later placed in the Elmore County Jail.
We see this type of crime all too often. An employee obtains a position of responsibility and trust from their employer, only to take advantage of the very people that gave them an opportunity to have employment and advance within their business. It’s my understanding from speaking with our investigators, that the alleged offender not only admitted his actions to his former employers, but that he’s cooperated fully with our investigation, admitting to the embezzlement of the cash from his former place of employment. So, maybe there’s hope for this young person. The first step towards redemption is the acknowledgement of one’s fault or actions. Now, unfortunately comes the consequences of those actions.
I appreciate the work done by our detectives in this case, as well as the assistance received from the Prattville Police Department.
