A True Value employee made a first appearance in Watonwan District Court on Monday, February 1, 2010 charged with two counts of felony theft.
According to a statement of probable cause Officer Robb Fehrman met with Craig and Tracy Hurley, owners of the True Value/Radio Shack Store in St. James regarding a theft. The Hurleys told Fehrman they believed one of their employees, the alleged defendant Synnova Ann Blackstad, stole money from the store.
Blackstad is charged with two counts of felony theft totaling $8739.38 for the 10 month period.
Craig Hurley stated to Fehrman he recently ran a sales report and noticed a discrepancy. The report showed a large humidifier was purchased but returned for cash. The item, however, was not in stock at the store. Fehrman met with the Hurleys a second time and the Hurleys showed the investigating officer copies of return receipts for the previous 10 months. Craig Hurley stated there were numerous items that were returned for cash but the items were not in stock. Craig and Tracy Hurley reviewed the receipts along with employee timecards and noticed Blackstad was working during all suspicious transactions.
Blackstad was released on personal recognizance and was ordered by the court to have no contact with the Hurleys or to go into the True Value Store.
Synnova Blackstad is scheduled to appear back in Watonwan District Court on February 16, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
st. james plaindealer —
