Best Buy employee arrested in $40,000 theft scheme says he was blackmailed, reports show

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Police have arrested a Best Buy employee who allegedly allowed customers to steal more than $40,000 worth of electronics from the Abercorn Street store over a two-week period in December.

Dorian Allen, 20, was taken into custody December 26 after Best Buy management discovered he had been letting customers leave with merchandise without paying from December 8 through December 22.

According to a Savannah Police Department report, Allen told investigators he was being blackmailed by a “hacker group” who threatened to release nude photos he had posted on Instagram. He claimed the hackers sent him emails with descriptions of people he should allow to steal merchandise.

The police report shows Allen allegedly helped customers steal 143 products worth $40,734.19, including multiple PlayStation 5 consoles, Xbox gaming systems, Meta Quest VR headsets, AirPods, Beats headphones, and other electronics.

Allen told police an older woman approached him at his register in early December, and that hackers would send emails describing people who would come to the store. He said he even helped some individuals load stolen merchandise into a black Hyundai.

However, Allen could not provide the name of the hacker group or his email address when questioned by police.

Last week, SPD released images of multiple individuals connected to the thefts, prompting a strong response from the community.

Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman praised residents for providing tips to help identify suspects.

“That type of behavior won’t be tolerated here in Chatham County. And the citizens, they were wonderful. They responded,” Coleman said. “They were giving names, addresses, phone numbers, you name it. They were responding, and the response was consistent and we were able to get some possible identification on these suspects.”

Coleman had issued a stern warning to the suspects, giving them 24 hours to turn themselves in. He said one person pictured had already contacted him about surrendering.

The case has been transferred to a financial crimes detective for further investigation. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD mobile app.