Wabash – Yesterday, a criminal investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Josh Maller resulted in the arrest of Christopher Hawkins, 25, Wabash, IN. Hawkins was arrested yesterday afternoon when Trooper Steven Glass served him with a Wabash Circuit Court arrest warrant alleging felony charges for theft and corrupt business influence.
In September 2018, Detective Maller started an investigation after receiving information that Hawkins allegedly used various methods, and multiple accounts, to deprive Carquest Auto Parts Store, in Wabash, IN, of income.
The investigation revealed that Hawkins was a manager at Carquest and had access to the store’s computer system and its various accounts. Hawkins purportedly would use the computers to discount auto parts that he purchased for himself, well below the standard discount for store employees. He also allegedly discounted auto parts, at least 262 transactions, to customers who were not authorized to have items discounted. Both theses techniques deprived the store of income. Hawkins is also alleged to have reduced to zero the amount owed on his store accounts and had auto parts shipped to his residence which were paid for by Carquest. He was not authorized to do either of those things.
Hawkins purportedly deprived Carquest of approximately $13,701.43 in income.
He was incarcerated in the Wabash County Jail with a $20,000 cash bond.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
