COLLEYVILLE (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Colleyville police revealed details about a seven month-long investigation that led to the arrests and recent indictments of four people accused of cloning Walmart gift cards.
According to a release posted on Facebook, the investigation spanned several states and involved at least 1,000 victims.
Police said the investigation got started in July following numerous complaints from people who tried to use their gift cards only to find out the money had been spent.
Colleyville PD, Walmart Global Investigators and the United States Secret Service worked together to identify who was involved in the crime.
Towards the end of July, investigators confirmed 42-year-old Geandy O’Reilly placed cloned Walmart gift cards on the display stands inside Walmart stores and used the victim-loaded balance on the cards for his personal gain, according to the release.
Investigators executed a search warrant at O’Reilly’s home in September. They found thousands of dollars worth of electronics, 88 cases of beer and almost 7,000 gift cards.
Colleyville police said this isn’t O’Reilly’s first time being connected to this type of scam. He pleaded guilty to similar offenses in 2022 and was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
More evidence led to the arrests of three of O’Reilly’s associates 35-year-old Anisel Matososa, 56-year-old Ernesto Mato and 42-year-old Mayluis Novoa in September.
Investigators identified suspects in Arizona, Florida and Tennessee.
Walmart implemented new safety measures to help prevent future incidents once the investigation wrapped.
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