Walmart Cashier Embezzles $13K for Nearby Rent: Arrest Made

Maricopa Police Department arrested Kristyna Cardenas in connection with the theft of over $13,000 from her employer, Walmart. The alleged theft occurred on May 3, when store security discovered that cash was missing from three registers.

According to a probable cause statement, the funds were identified during a routine audit. Surveillance footage depicted Cardenas, 36, surreptitiously removing stacks of bills from the registers and concealing them in her pockets.

Following the incident, Cardenas informed her colleagues that she was feeling ill and subsequently did not return for her scheduled shifts. Police executed a search warrant at her residence, where she confessed to the crime.

Cardenas expressed remorse for her actions, admitting she counted the stolen money at home. Although she contemplated returning it, she ultimately opted to keep it, citing financial needs such as rent and groceries. Her apartment’s monthly rent is approximately $1,200, as indicated in her rental application.

As a result, Cardenas has been booked into the Pinal County jail on felony theft charges, facing a potential three-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

This incident echoes a previous case involving an AutoZone employee nearby, who faced similar allegations of theft to cover rent. InMaricopa has documented several thefts by Walmart employees in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges with internal theft within the retail sector.