CMPD Arrests Two Charlotte Water Employees for Misdemeanor Fraud

Published on September 28, 2023

Charlotte, N.C. – (Thursday, September 28, 2023) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Metro Division obtained arrest warrants for financial transaction card fraud against two Charlotte Water employees.

On Thursday, September 21, 2023, at approximately 11:23 a.m., Metro Division officers responded to a larceny call for service in the QuikTrip (QT) at 3025 Wilkinson Boulevard.  Upon arrival, officers located a victim that stated her debit card was stolen. 

Officers reviewed the store’s surveillance video that showed the victim as she accidentally dropped her debit card on the ground before driving away.  A short time later, two men were seen getting out of a Charlotte Water truck parked near the area of the card.  The passenger exits the truck, picks up the card and hands it over to the driver.  Both suspects are then seen on surveillance video inside of the store purchasing food and beverages using the debit card. 

With the cooperation of QT and Charlotte Water, detectives were able to quickly identify the driver and passenger of the truck as Phillip Watt (DOB: 07/15/1982) and Jonavan Stewart (DOB: 01/24/1993).  Warrants have been served on both men for the following:

• Financial Transaction Card Fraud (Misdemeanor)

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing.  As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Office.  For additional information about this case, refer to the report: 20230921-1123-02.

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