Deputies: Kroger worker steals 100+ customers' identities

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Deputies said a former Kroger worker at a Newton County store stole more than 100 identities of customers, and now investigators want to find her accomplices and all her victims. 

Deputies are concerned they have only scratched the surface of how many victims could be involved and much money was taken from unknowing victims. 

Investigators said Desmeiyon Brianna Meadows worked out of the 3700 Kroger on Salem Road. The worker managed the check-cashing service and, with the help of at least one accomplice, stole people's identities and worked with others to steal thousands of dollars in cash, deputies said.

Meadows used her cellphone to take photos of customers' checks, debit cards, ID cards, and Social Security cards, investigators said. After Kroger's corporate loss prevention contacted Newton deputies, they discovered the records of more than 100 people on her phone. Those records go back to February, and investigators said they are unsure if there are even more cases before that timeframe. 

Surveillance video shows Meadows helping five men in one day at a register; investigators said the people are her accomplices to cash fake checks, and may be the same individual who wore different outfits.

Meadows was arrested on five counts of felony theft by taking, five counts of fourth-degree forgery, six counts of identity theft, and one count of financial card fraud.

Investigators have a list of victims. If you believe your credit was compromised at the Salem Road Kroger, please contact Investigator Clinton French at fraudtips@newtonsheriffga.org. 

Kroger sent the following statement to FOX 5: 

“We would like to thank the Newton County Sheriff’s office for their quick action in this matter. This is a top priority and we will continue to assist in their investigation. If a customer at our 3700 Salem Road location in Covington is concerned that theirinformation has been compromised, we encourage them to contact Investigator Clinton French at fraudtips@newtonsheriffga.org.”