A former shift manager of a fast food restaurant on Lower River Road has been charged in the theft of over $1,200 in cash and two palm pilots.

Robert E. Stowell, 32, was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. He is charged with Theft over $1,000.  

Robert E. Stowell

According to information developed during the investigation, the suspect disappeared for several days after another shift manager discovered the loss on January 7. That same day a missing persons report was filed on Stowell when he did not return home from work.

Investigation revealed $952 was missing which should have been deposited into the store’s bank account, and another $335 was missing from the store’s safe. It was learned that his disappearance was due to an unexpected trip to Utah.

The loss reported by the restaurant was $1,707. Only the two palm pilots were recovered.