Ex-Hens store worker is indicted

8/17/2004

A Lucas County grand jury indicted a former employee of the Toledo Mud Hens Swamp Shop yesterday for taking more than $11,000 from the store through phony return transactions.

Jamal Minato, 19, of 724 East Central Ave., was indicted on one count of grand theft. Authorities said he would show that merchandise was brought into the store, 406 Washington St., to be returned. He would make the transaction then take cash from the drawer, Lucas County sheriff s Detective Rob Sarahman said.

Mr. Minato admitted to taking about $8,000 from the registers since he was employed as a clerk at the Fifth Third Field shop last year.

He said the money went to his family, the detective said. Authorities said that according to store records more than $11,500 was taken. The transactions were caught on store videotape.

Joe Napoli, the Mud Hens general manager, declined comment because the case is pending. However, he said correct store procedures were not followed and that when they were enforced officials learned of the alleged theft earlier this month.