Store employee steals from safe and disappears

OPA LOCKA, Fla. (WSVN) -- A liquor store burglarized and the business owner thinks it was an inside job.

A cashier was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "We've never had anybody take money out of the safe," said Randy Mallen. "Never had anybody take this amount."

The cashier stole $25,000 from the store's safe. Randy Mallen said it was a whole week's worth of sales stolen from Bobby's Liquors on 20th Avenue and Opa Locka Boulevard.

It happened early August. The crook was caught on camera. "She just went over to the safe with a plastic bag," said Mallen. "put it down and made sure no employee was looking. She took it out and put it right in the plastic bag, two big bundles."

Another camera angle showed Kelly Felix hiding the bag of money. She covered it with a black sweater. Randy Mallen couldn't believe his eyes. "Her drawers always came out good," said Mallen. "That's why she was made a manager. She was responsible, she came in on time."

She also stayed until her shift was over. The trusted employee had worked at the liquor store for nearly five years. Another camera caught her calmly walking out of the store with the money in hand.

When Randy confronted Kelly over the phone, she tried to blame another employee. He then told her she was caught on camera. "There was a camera man working on the cameras," said Mallen. "And there were wires hanging down and he had been working and she might have thought that they were off."

Randy said Kelly agreed to bring the money back if he didn't press charges. He's never seen her again. "She was a trusted employee," said Mallen. "She was the least likely person to do this in my estimation."

The owner said she may have fled to Tampa where she has friends and relatives. However, that information cannot be confirmed.

The Opa Locka Police Department is currently investigating the theft.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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