Romanian Man Sentenced for Walmart Theft Scheme

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - A Romanian man who stole $2,100 from the Arnold Walmart has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for a nationwide theft scheme, according to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office.

U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp sentenced 22-year-old Suras Rostas on Dec. 11 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Rostas pleaded guilty in September to two counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors said Rostas used sleight-of-hand techniques to steal money and property from Walmart stores in at least 18 states, totaling more than $130,000. Authorities said he entered the United States illegally in 2023 and continued the scheme despite prior arrests and convictions.

In addition to the prison sentence, Rostas was ordered to repay $135,290 to Walmart. The sentence will run consecutive to pending cases in Idaho, Arkansas, Florida and St. Louis County.