Coinstar employee accused of stealing about $450K

By Associated Press

Summary

According to court documents, Michael Robert Burns of Maple Valley worked on Coinstar kiosks at a warehouse and used his knowledge to get money from Coinstar machines at grocery stores in Washington, Oregon and California.

Story Published: May 13, 2008 at 9:28 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 7:48 PM PDT

Coinstar employee accused of stealing about $450K
LYNNWOOD, Wash. (AP) - A Coinstar Inc. employee has been arrested for investigation of thefts totaling as much as $450,000.

According to documents filed in court, 39-year-old Michael Robert Burns of Maple Valley worked on Coinstar kiosks at a warehouse. He's accused of using his knowledge to get money from the coin-counting and dispensing machines at grocery stores in Washington, Oregon and California.

Burns was arrested Friday and remains in the Snohomish County jail for investigation of first-degree theft. Bail is set at $250,000.

The probe began after Coinstar officials reported thefts in several locations.

Lynnwood police reported finding about $125,000 cash in Burns' home, $4,000 in his truck and $350 in his pockets, plus some expensive electronics and vehicles.