NEWS ALERT: Eight Charged In Alco Grand Theft Case

BY KELLI PEACOCK DUNN
News Editor

The Blountstown Police Department has arrested three employees from the local Alco store, one former employee, along with four friends and family members of the Alco workers, in a major theft case.

Charles Swearington, 39, Austin Lee Scott, 24, Robert Lee Miller, 48, and Bradley Terry, 23, are all charged with grand theft over $5000, but under $10,000, and conspiracy to commit grand theft. Thomas Franklin McCourt, 18, Jeremiah Cain Grzegorcyzk, 18, Standish Allum Croley, 18, and Kathryn Olivia Murphy, 20, have all been charged with conspiracy to commit grand theft and principal in the first degree to grand theft. All are Calhoun County residents.

According to the BPD, over $8100 worth of merchandise has been stolen from the business over the past couple months. Items taken range from power tools to electronics. The case came to light after a woman spotted Swearington selling MP3 players still in Alco shipping boxes at a Blountstown convenience store parking lot.

All suspects were booked into the Calhoun County Jail Thursday with the exception of Scott. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.