Philip Ray Gardner, 49, of Anniston, was charged with felony second-degree theft after he allegedly stole cell phones from his employer on the 5500 block on McClellan Boulevard, Sgt. Chris Sparks said. A check by The Star of businesses on that block found Walmart to be the only store offering cell phones.
Gardner was identified through video surveillance, Sparks said.
Gardner stole a cell phone on three separate occasions between Feb. 4 and March 1, the sergeant said. The three phones totalled more than $600.
Police did not know how long Gardner had worked at Walmart.
According to Sparks, Gardner paid his $5,000 bond Thursday and was released from the Anniston City Jail. A court date is scheduled for April 15.
Staff Writer Rachael Griffin: 256-235-3562. On Twitter @RGriffin_Star.




