Cops: Man embezzled $10,000-plus from Asheville Mall shop

ASHEVILLE – A city man is facing charges after police say he embezzled more than $10,000 from the Sunglass Hut at Asheville Mall.

John Michael Connell, 33, of Verde Vista Circle, was charged Wednesday with embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretense, according to warrants at the Buncombe County magistrate’s office.

He’s accused of embezzling $10,517.76 in cash from the shop by creating fraudulent receipts, according to warrants. Asheville police investigated.

Connell was released on a written promise to appear in court.