Man arrested for $1.3 million in Walmart fraudulent returns

A man was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Yuma after allegedly attempting to make fraudulent returns of over $1.3 million dollars at Walmart stores nationwide.

The Yuma Police Department said an investigation revealed Thomas Frudaker attempted to return a computer he had purchased earlier at the Walmart located at 2501 S. Avenue B. Police said Frudaker had attempted to return it at another Walmart located 8151 E. 32nd Street. YPD suspects Frudaker removed parts of the computer before returning it.

Frudaker has been suspected of committing fraudulent transactions at over 1,000 Walmarts across the United States throughout a period of 18 months, authorities said.

The returns have resulted in over 1.3 million dollars worth in monetary loss to Walmart.

Frudaker is accused of two counts of fraudulent schemes, two counts of criminal damage, and two counts of theft.

Frudaker’s bail is set for $40,000 and he is scheduled to be in court Monday at 1 p.m.