M., a Winona Police Officer (“Officer”), was dispatched to a business located in the City and County of Winona, Minnesota, regarding an employee who was conducting off-the-shelf returns of company merchandise and diverting the money to his personal bank card. Upon arrival at the scene, Officer spoke to employee (“Witness”). Witness told Officer there was an unexplained loss of inventory/profit, which triggered an internal investigation within the store. Witness stated he used business analytics software to decipher which employee accounts had unusual activity.
Witness learned Collin John Zarcone, [DOB REDACTED] (“Defendant”), had processed multiple refunds through a professional account, Z5 Auto. The refunds went back to a debit card that was linked to Defendant’s team member account. Witness reported the original purchases were made by various means other than Defendant’s debit card. Witness also noted that most of the returned parts were missing or unaccounted for in the inventory. Witness estimated the total monetary loss to the store was $1,657.11. On December 18, 2025, at approximately 8:54 P.M., Officer spoke with Defendant.
Defendant admitted he conducted several off-the-shelf returns over the last three months of his employment with the business. Defendant stated he verified the transactions were conducted on his family’s personal/business account, Z5 Auto. Defendant stated the refunded money was directed back into his personal bank card account. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 609.49., intentional failure to appear for duly scheduled court appearances may result in additional criminal charges, and in addition to any arrest warrant that may otherwise be issued by the Court.
