Uncovering the $118k Best Buy Scam: The Dark Connection to Epstein’s Gifts

Discover the latest incidents in the Apple Crime Log, where we delve into crimes involving Apple products. In this edition, a thief makes off with $7,000 worth of Macs from an electronics store, a Best Buy employee orchestrates a MacBook discount scam, and it’s revealed that Jeffrey Epstein had a penchant for gifting Apple Watches.

Authorities on the Hunt for Man Responsible for $7,000 MacBook Theft

Law enforcement in Chesapeake, Virginia, is on the lookout for an individual who allegedly stole nearly $7,000 worth of MacBooks from an electronics store.

“The suspect took multiple MacBook laptops, concealed them, and left the store without paying, resulting in a total loss of approximately $6,858.96,” reported Chesapeake Crime Line.

Although the specific store was not identified by the police, a quick search on Apple Maps suggests that the incident likely occurred at a Best Buy in the area.

Individuals with any information regarding this theft are urged to contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or submit tips online at P3TIPS.COM. Valuable information leading to the apprehension of the suspect or recovery of the stolen goods could yield a cash reward of up to $1,500.

Best Buy Employee Accused of Orchestrating MacBook Discount Scam

A male employee at a Best Buy in South Florida has been charged with masterminding a scam that exploited the store’s discount system, resulting in losses exceeding $118,000.

Reports indicate that Matthew Lattera, a Palm Beach Gardens Best Buy employee, conducted numerous heavily discounted transactions throughout 2024. Lattera allegedly made 97 discounted transactions for himself and 52 for others, totaling losses of $81,717.32 for Best Buy. Additionally, it was discovered that Lattera pawned several Apple MacBook Pro laptops, with multiple transactions at PayMore on Jog Road.

Jeffrey Epstein’s Apple Watch Gifting Spree

Notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein, known for his criminal activities, was found to have gifted Apple Watches to various individuals, including future Trump adviser Steve Bannon.

According to the Washington Free Beacon, newly released emails from the Epstein files reveal that Bannon received an Apple Watch from Epstein in 2019. The message, sent by Bannon’s nephew to Epstein’s assistant Lesley Groff, confirmed the delivery of the wearable to Bannon.

Epstein’s arrest in 2019 and subsequent death in custody shed light on his questionable connections, with Bannon working on a documentary about Epstein at the time of his demise.

Bakersfield Woman Sought for Using Stolen Credit Card to Purchase MacBook

Authorities in Bakersfield, California, are actively searching for a woman who allegedly utilized a stolen credit card to buy a MacBook from a local Costco in October.

Following the theft of a credit card and phone from a customer at a Trader Joe’s, a purchase of a MacBook Pro was recorded at the Costco on Rosedale Highway. Police have released a photo of the suspect and urge anyone with information to contact Detective R. Fujihara at 661-326-3544 or BPD at 661-327-7111.