A Hot Springs man has been charged with computer fraud for allegedly using his former employer's funds to pay his personal phone bill.
Alex Hayden Matthews, 23, who lists a Chitwood Street address, was arrested at around 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the 300 block of Claremont Street and charged with felony computer fraud, punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor theft of property.
He remained in custody at the Garland County Detention Center in lieu of a $3,000 bond and was scheduled to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.
Matthews' mug shot was posted on Facebook by the Hot Springs Police Department on May 9 as part of its Warrant Wednesday program, and he was arrested four days later. According to Officer 1st Class Joey Williams, the program has a 90-percent success rate.
"We appreciate the public's help in sharing and locating these wanted subjects. By working together, we are making a difference in our community. Warrant Wednesday has been a huge success because of the community's involvement," Williams said Monday.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the district manager of Metro PCS, 652 Albert Pike Road, reported a fraud that reportedly occurred on May 8 at the store. The district manager allegedly stated that a former supervisor, identified as Matthews, remotely accessed the company's computer and funds to pay his phone bill.
Surveillance footage from May 8 allegedly showed Matthews entering the store during regular business hours and accessing one of the company's computers.
"Footage shows Matthews typing for several moments, minimizing the screen, and exiting the business," the affidavit states.
Several minutes later, the computer was accessed remotely and logged into Matthews' personal phone account. Using his privileges as a supervisor, Matthews allegedly used Metro PCS funds to pay his phone bill in the amount of $180.
Matthews had previously been fired from the store and did not have permission to use the company's funds, the affidavit said.
Local on 05/15/2018