LP Investigation Leads to Arrest of Former Sam's Club Worker

Oct. 14, 2005
Investigation pointed toward employee gaining illegal access to office safe

An assistant manager of Sam's Club was arrested Wednesday, accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from the wholesale business' southwest Fort Worth location.

Chris Renteria, 25, was released Thursday from Mansfield Jail after posting a $2,500 bond.

Lt. Dean Sullivan, police spokesman, said police went to the store at 4400 Bryant Irving on Oct. 9 to investigate a reported theft.

Sullivan said another assistant manager had discovered that the cash was missing after going to the store's safe to transfer prepared bank deposits to a waiting armored vehicle.

Sullivan declined to disclose the amount of money taken, but a police report indicated it was $58,000.

"The investigation focused around persons with known access to the store's office and safe," Sullivan said. Police and Sam's Club investigators working together identified Renteria as a suspect, he said.

On Wednesday, police and loss prevention officers went to Renteria's Arlington apartment and obtained permission to search. Inside his bedroom, officers found luggage filled with stacks of money, Sullivan said.

Renteria "acknowledged his involvement in the crime," Sullivan said. Renteria faces a charge of theft $20,000 to $100,000, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.