Attention Kroger customers: Duo accused of stealing info from 100+ people

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Kroger customers may want to check their bank or credit card statements after deputies say a clerk stole personal information from at least 100 customers.

It happened at the store location along Salem Road in Covington. That’s where authorities arrested the now-former employee.

“It’s shocking, and it’s very disturbing,” customer Delaney Kenner said.

Deputies told Channel 2's Audrey Washington that Desmeiyon Meadows worked in the store's money center.

Investigators said when they went through Meadows’ cellphone, they found pictures of checks, Social

Security and debit cards and even other people’s driver’s licenses.

“Unfortunately, today there are people who do things like this to try to make money on the side,” customer Stewart Black said.

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Deputies said Meadows didn’t work alone.

Investigators gave Washington surveillance video of the man they say worked with Meadows to scam the customers. They hope someone recognizes his face and turns him in.

Washington went to the Covington address Sunday that was listed for Meadows to see if anyone at the home would talk about the fraud and identity theft charges the former grocery store employee now faces.

No one came to the door when she knocked.

“There’s always going to be individuals trying to find a way to get that information,” Kenner said.

She told Washington that she shops at the store several times a week and said she now feels a bit uneasy.

“I always check my bank account to see if there are any suspicious charges and things like that,” Kenner said.

Newton County deputies told Washington they need Kroger customers to check their accounts.

If you suspect your information was compromised, they want you to call the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at 678-625-1403.

Kroger released a statement to Channel 2:

“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 their information has been compromised, we encourage them to contact Investigator Clinton French at fraudtips@newtonsheriffga.org,” Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division.

Cox Media Group