Published: August 09, 2008 07:10 pm         

Accused embezzler enters plea

A Stillwater man charged with embezzlement waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Payne County District Court.

Arraignment for Eric Noel Garza, 21, was set for Sept. 5. He entered a plea of not guilty on June 25.

Garza is accused of taking $650 in cash and merchandise from Lowe’s between Aug. 10, 2007, and April 1, 2008, while he was an employee in the store.

An affidavit signed by Stillwater Police Officer Andrew Wilson states that the officer was called on April 11 to Lowe’s, where another employee told him that Garza had confessed to embezzling approximately $600 worth of merchandise and currency. Wilson received store logs and a copy of a handwritten confession from Garza detailing the thefts, according to the affidavit.

It goes on to state that Garza later ready the copy of the statement and said it was accurate.

The felony embezzlement charge is punishable by imprisonment for one or more nights or weekends and a fine of up to $5,000 plus restitution.

     

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.