Mar 29, 2025 2 min read

A Uniontown man is accused of stealing nearly $90,000 in Lowe’s digital gift cards to support a gambling habit.

State police said Dennis R. Hinton, 45, was acting as a district pro sales manager and handling large volume professional accounts from October 2022 to October 2023, when the thefts occurred.

According to court paperwork, contractors are eligible for store rewards points based on the cost of the items they purchase. Those points are then converted into digital gift cards.

Police alleged Hinton gained access to the gift cards that belonged to customers in several area counties by adding his information to about 30 customers’ loyalty accounts.

At some point, a Lowe’s employee received a tip about what was occurring, and police used fraud detection software to review forms of payments used on orders associated with Hinton. Court paperwork indicated that digital gift cards were primarily used, and all of the gift cards were associated with the rewards program for contractors.

In October 2023, when Hinton was interviewed at the company’s regional office in Sewickley, he reportedly told police he used the gift cards to buy expensive tools and other items, some of which were shipped to his two personal addresses in Uniontown. Others were listed for pick-up in the store, the complaint indicated.

Police said Hinton also admitted to selling the items to liquidators, or to contractors for 30 cents on the dollar. He reportedly told police it was to finance a gambling addiction he was hiding from his wife.

According to the complaint, Lowe’s reimbursed $82,828.71 to contractors. One company that was owed $6,850 did not respond to calls from Lowe’s for reimbursement, according to police

A total of $89,678.72 was stolen, police alleged.

Hinton was charged with dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, access device fraud and receiving stolen property.

He was arraigned Wednesday and released on $20,000 unsecured bond.