Amazon Employees Accused of Stealing Charity Donations Worth Over $250K

Two Amazon employees in central Pennsylvania have been charged with orchestrating a large-scale donation fraud scheme. Melissa Arvey, 46, and her husband Gregory Arvey, 59, both of Etters, face charges of theft and conspiracy. Melissa also faces a charge of deceptive business practices.

The alleged scheme involved over $250,000 worth of items donated to charity through Amazon's program, with the couple selling them for their own use. Gregory was employed as Waste Coordinator at the Lewisberry distribution center and oversaw the donation program, ensuring that donations followed Amazon's policy.

Amazon's Loss Prevention Team began investigating Gregory in February due to his affiliation with the charity Sunshine Blessings, which received items donated by Amazon. Melissa, who is President of Sunshine Blessings, submitted paperwork on June 8, 2024, to receive donations, despite a contract between Amazon and the charity stating that donations would not be resold.

Investigations found over 50 active listings for Amazon products on Melissa's Facebook Marketplace, including an air fryer, energy drink mixes, and a frying pan set. Gaming computers were also being sold, which Gregory was supposed to set aside as E-waste.