Ex-store manager pleads guilty to embezzlement

The former manager of Best Buy in Hot Springs pleaded guilty Tuesday in Garland County Circuit Court to embezzling more than $4,000 from the store last year through fraudulent transactions.

Travis Cordae Sheard, 30, of Hot Springs, pleaded guilty to theft of property more than $1,000, punishable by up to six years in prison, and was sentenced to five years' probation, fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $420 in court costs and restitution of $4,064.56.

Sheard, who had no prior criminal history, was sentenced under Act 346, so if he successfully completes his probation and pays all the required fines, costs and restitution he will be eligible to have the charge expunged.

According to the affidavit, on Nov. 3, 2016, the loss prevention officer at Best Buy, 1462 Higdon Ferry Road, filed a complaint with Hot Springs police reporting thefts which occurred between June 30 and Oct. 31, 2016, which he alleged were committed by Sheard, who was then the store manager.

The officer alleged Sheard had created fraudulent transactions during that period totaling $4,064.52. He said he confronted Sheard after discovering 30 such transactions where Sheard removed money from the cash register.

Sheard confessed and willingly gave a written statement admitting to stealing the money. The officer provided documentation of the fraudulent transactions which Sheard reportedly initialed and signed admitting to the thefts.

Sheard was brought to the police department and interviewed by Detective Nathan Rines, where he again admitted to stealing the funds after being read his rights.

Sheard was taken into custody that same day and later released on $2,500 bond pending trial.

Local on 08/25/2017

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