Woman Denies Stealing from Laramie Gas Station

A woman previously employed by Big D Oil in West Laramie pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Wednesday in Albany County District Court.

Kai Marie Blake, 42, is charged with one count of felony theft. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

Blake was arrested following a Laramie police investigation that began Dec. 30, 2014 when Blake's manager told an officer about a possible theft from the store.

According to court documents, the manager said Blake would take an unregistered prepaid visa or other business card and use the store's computer system to scan and activate the card without permission and without paying for the funds loaded onto the card.

The manager said it happened first on Oct. 26, 2014 and last on Dec. 29, 2014. Blake allegedly made 47 transactions in total, with a combined value of over $1,000.

According to the police affidavit, Blake allegedly told the officer she authorized multiple cards, but had her manager's permission to do so. She reportedly said she saved all the receipts so she knew how much she had to pay back.

Blake allegedly made 15 additional charges for which she did not save the receipts.

Judge Jeffrey Donnell scheduled Blake's trial for Oct. 13-14. Blake is out on $10,000 signature bond living in Oregon.