Duo Accused of Flashing Fake Receipts

HOUSTON - A thief and his alleged apprentice were arrested after detectives caught them flashing forged receipts for items they hadn't purchased at a Sam's Club, police said.

Spring residents Michael Austin Lynn, 41, and Erik Shawn Peeples, 30, were both arrested Dec. 16 at a Shenandoah, Texas Sam's Club, according to a statement from the city's police department.

Lynn is accused of printing out authentic-looking receipts from his computer before heading to the Sam's Club, according to the statement. He would take anything he wanted and show the fake receipt to employees at the door without actually ever paying at the registers.

But managers at the store and and Shenandoah detectives began to unravel the scheme after Lynn allegedly hit the same store at least three times and racked up close to $7,500 worth of stolen goods, according to the statement.

Detectives maintained a close connection with store managers because they knew Lynn would be back, according to the statement.

And they were right.

Lynn did return, but this time, he brought along Peeples, who allegedly was taking lessons on how to become a better thief, according to the statement.

Managers monitored their alleged theft inside the store while detectives were waited outside for them, according to the statement. The duo was arrested after they returned to their car.

A search conducted at Lynn's home determined he had used his computer to mock up the fradulent receipts, according to the statement.

Lynn is charged with felony theft and is being held at the Montgomery County Jail on a $6,000 bond, while Peeples is being held on a $750 bond for a charge of misdemeanor theft.