Merced Kohl's employee arrested after credit fraud investigation

MERCED -- A 24-year-old Kohl's employee was taken into custody Saturday after allegedly using a customer's credit information to make $800 in purchases, Merced police reported.

Daniel Frank Rico was arrested after loss prevention employees at Kohl's detected suspicious activity on the customer's credit account and notified law enforcement, said Lt. Andre Matthews, police spokesman.

Rico allegedly used the customer's account information to buy gift cards and other items. Staff at the store contacted the customer about the charges, and she confirmed the purchases were unauthorized, Matthews said.

Rico worked as a cashier at Kohl's and had set up the account for the victim himself, before using her personal information to make the illicit purchases, Matthews said.

Matthews said police are also searching for an accomplice in the case.

Police are asking anyone with additional information to call detective Dave Alcaraz at (209) 385-4708 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Tips are kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

Rico was booked on suspicion of embezzlement, fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud and embezzlement. He remains at the Merced County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.