Detention officer arrested after stealing $500 item from Walmart checkout using a ‘pass-around trick’

A FORMER Polk County Detention Officer reportedly found himself behind bars after being accused of stealing from a Walmart checkout.

John Reed, 44, is said to have committed the thefts by “deliberately not scanning” items.

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A loss prevention officer was reportedly stalking Reed after seeing Reed trying to steal two hoverboards, two hovercars, and a Christmas projection lamp.

The officer escorted him to a surveillance TV where they checked into the alleged theft, Click Orlando reported.

Further investigation indicates that Reed allegedly stole nine times from the same Walmart between November 4 and December 3.

In total, investigators have charged Reed with taking $575 worth of items.

Reed reportedly resigned from his position immediately after his arrest.

He was charged with eight counts of petty theft, one count of property acquisition fraud, one count of gross fraud and one count of petty theft ranging from $100 to $750.

Reed was booked into the Polk County Jail on Dec. 3 — the same place he previously worked.

He posted a $4,500 bond and was fired from his previous job.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Reed is still under investigation.

Additional fees may be disclosed pending the completion of the investigation.

Reed was hired as a corrections officer at the Polk County Jail in 2004.

According to deputies who spoke to Click Orlando, he quit his job in 2012 but returned in 2021.

As the holiday shopping season continues, Walmart has invested heavily in fighting crime at its self-service checkouts.

Walmart operates nearly 11,000 stores in 24 different countries.