On July 12, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Detective Lieutenant Derric Neal, was working off-duty security at Walmart Supercenter (5501 South Olive Street), when he was approached by the Loss Prevention Supervisor, in reference to numerous thefts. Neal was provided video footage of two males, later identified as 31-year-old Jermaine Scott and 27-year-old Montel Vanderbilt. Both were seen using reloadable Visa Cards for the past month to steal money from the self-checkout machine.
According to the Loss Prevention Supervisor, Scott and Vanderbilt initiated the scam by pretending to purchase an inexpensive item but instead would load different amounts of money onto a Visa debit card.
They would cancel the transaction after putting the desired amount of money onto the card and would be refunded the money they placed into the self-checkout machine for the card as well as the same amount in cash, which doubled their money. The loss prevention supervisor stated in the past 30 days, Vanderbilt and Scott stole approximately $12,985.28 from various Wal-Marts in Stuttgart, Monticello, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
On July 15, 2024, the loss prevention supervisor provided new video footage and still shots of Vanderbilt and Scott and the license plate number of the vehicle they were driving. Lieutenant Neal assigned the case to Detective Dante Nicholson, who was able to locate the vehicle. Detective Nicholson, along with other Pine Bluff Police Department officers pursued the vehicle and after a short chase, apprehended the driver (Montel Vanderbilt), who attempted to flee on foot, once the vehicle stopped. Vanderbilt was also in possession of suspected narcotics. The passenger (Jermaine Scott), immediately surrendered when the vehicle stopped.
Detectives interviewed both Scott and Vanderbilt, and both were arrested and transported to W.C. Dub Brassell Detention Center for Felony Theft, Felony Fleeing, (3) counts of Possession of a controlled substance with Purpose to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Unauthorized use of a Vehicle to Facilitate a Crime.
This is still an ongoing investigation and future charges could be added. This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the effective collaboration between local businesses and law enforcement in preventing and solving crimes.
The Pine Bluff Police Department remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents, shoppers, and businesses.
All persons presented are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Thank you to the drivers who pulled over and cleared the roadway for us!
