Trio of employees facing theft charges from Super 1

BONNERS FERRY — Three Super 1 employees have been arrested on charges of burglary, grand theft and criminal conspiracy after allegedly giving themselves discounts on deli items.  

Night-shift workers Hannah Lacey Ainley, 35, Ticen George Taylor, 34, and Anthony L. Vargas, 40, were arrested on June 23. Each faces three felony charges in connection to the case. 

According to court records, the trio would allegedly check each other out during the night shift, and input a product code instead of scanning in deli items at the cash register, according to a probable cause affidavit. This resulted in items that would normally cost $5 to $10 becoming $1 or $2. 

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Willie Cowell wrote in an affidavit that Super 1’s losses dating back to May 28 are estimated by store officials to be $1,423.92. 

It is against Super 1 policy for employees to “scanner skip” or discount merchandise for friends or family, as it is considered theft.  

When Ainley and Vargas were interviewed by Cowell, both waived their Miranda rights and spoke with him, court records indicate.  

Ainley allegedly admitted to the practice since she joined night crew 2 1/2 years ago, partially justifying her participation by saying it allows employees who are financially disadvantaged to eat. She claimed that food in the deli was going to be thrown out in the morning as another justification for her actions.  

Bonners Ferry Super 1 Manager Matt Morgan, who was present at the time of the interview, noted that the sushi bar is owned by a local man and not Super 1. The man is only paid by the product sold so any sushi that was taken at a discount took money out of his family's pocket.  

Cowell asked if Ainley intentionally did not bring lunch to work, knowing that she could take food from the deli.  

She allegedly said she does bring lunch, but occasionally would take food from the deli depending on her financial situation. She had admitted to taking food from the deli earlier in the week.  

Vargas allegedly admitted to his involvement in the scheme for six to seven months, after initially denying his involvement. He said he mostly purchased deli items at a discount for his lunch when on shift.  

Cowell wrote in his affidavit that the trio came to the store as trusted shelf stock employees with the intent to deliberately deceive their employer of momentary earnings and store inventory by paying for items at a fraction of their value.  

Ainley has waived her right to a preliminary hearing and her case will advance to district court. Vargas is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 19. Taylor is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 16.  

In Idaho, a felony sentence of burglary could result in 1 to 10 years in jail, grand theft can result in fines up to $5,000 or $10,000 and jail time. A felony conviction of criminal conspiracy can result in a conviction equal to time someone would serve if they had committed the crime.