Suspected Walmart thief appears in court

UPDATE :

Thomas Frudaker appeared before Judge Stephen J. Rouff in regards to his arrest for fraudulent transactions at a Walmart in Yuma, on Tuesday.

The lawyer representing Frudaker requested a pre-trial release and a lower bond amount, in which both were denied.

The defense presented evidence to the court and requested that his bond be raised to $500,000. This request was also denied.

The bond remains at $100,000 and his next court appearance is set for August 28, at 8:30 a.m.

——–

ORIGINAL STORY: (Man arrested for $1.3 million in Walmart fraudulent returns)

Yuma police said 23-year-old Thomas Frudaker was arrested at the Walmart located at 2501 S. Avenue B in Yuma, on June 13.

Frudaker went to the Walmart location to return a computer purchased, when police said it is believed the suspect removed parts from the computer before making the return.

Police said Frudaker had attempted to return the computer at another Walmart located at 8151 E. 32nd Street.

Similar transactions were made in the time span of 18 months, resulting in fraudulent transactions in over 1,000 Walmart locations.

The returns 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.