3 UPS workers charged in theft of UA football tickets

TUSCALOOSA (AP) — Three United Parcel Service workers were charged with stealing University of Alabama football tickets from UPS customers and selling them to an unsuspecting ticket broker.

Darryl James Crawford, 22, and Velmer Mallisham, 47, were each charged with theft of property Sept. 17 and their bonds were set at $20,000 and $15,000, respectively. A third suspect, Brooks Thomas, 24, turned himself in Monday and was charged with receiving stolen property, with bail set at $10,000.

A UPS spokesman said the employees worked at the center in Tuscaloosa. The company said all three were fired for their alleged involvement.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Ken Swindle said the packages were en route to season ticket holders.

The suspects are accused of using fake address labels to divert the packages from their destinations.

Swindle said a legitimate ticket broker purchased the tickets from one of the individuals and then sold them to someone else.

The scheme was uncovered when people who bought the stolen tickets arrived at the UA-Western Carolina season opener Sept. 1 to find their seats already occupied. UPS also had launched an investigation after season ticket holders called the company in mid-August wondering where their tickets were.

Swindle said the University sent replacement tickets to those who did not receive the tickets.

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