Gulf Shores, Ala. - (OBA) - The Gulf Shores Police Department has charged four individuals in connection with a payroll theft investigation at Perfect Game LLC, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The company had reported irregularities during an internal audit of its payroll, prompting an investigation by the Gulf Shores Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division.

Jeremy Carl Hazelwood, an employee of Perfect Game LLC, was identified as the perpetrator of the theft. Detectives determined that Hazelwood had access to the company's computer software used to schedule officials for baseball games. Using his credentials, Hazelwood was able to enter the payroll function of the software and transfer $388,000 from Perfect Game LLC into personal bank accounts.

Hazelwood has been arrested and charged with aggravated theft by deception first degree. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified three other individuals who participated in the theft. Scott Oneal Wynn was arrested and charged with theft of property first degree, while Emma Katherine Glazier and Charles Frederick Thompson have outstanding warrants for theft of property first degree.

The Gulf Shores Police Department is urging anyone with information about the case to contact them at 251.968.2431.

This news is a reminder to companies to review their internal controls regularly to prevent payroll theft and fraud. It is also a reminder to employees to avoid misuse of their access to sensitive systems and data. The Gulf Shores Police Department is to be commended for their diligent work in solving this case and bringing those responsible to justice.