MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) – An Alabama truck driver was arrested by Memphis Police after he reported a fake robbery to cover up a gas for cocaine scheme.
Officers were called to a BP Gas Station on Lamar Ave at E Shelby Drive just before noon on January 23, 2012. When they arrived, truck driver Paul Coker told police he had been held at gunpoint by three armed men as they drove around Memphis purchasing gas on his company credit card. He also told officers that the suspects stole the rear tires off his truck and replaced them with spares, according to the affidavit.
After further questioning Coker changed his story, and admitted to selling fuel paid with his company credit card in exchange for cocaine. During one of the gas for drugs transactions, eight tires were taken from Coker’s truck.
Investigators confirmed Coker’s credit card use through his employer, Ford Valley Logistics in Gadsden, Alabama. It was determined that Coker was responsible for the theft of over $6,700 from the company.
35-year-old Paul Coker was charged with filing a false police report, credit card fraud over $1,000 and theft of property over $1,000. He is being held on $10,000 bond at the Shelby County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 31st.
