Security guard likely behind string of thefts at Optum

(KMSP) EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - A string of thefts over the last three months at Optum Healthcare Technology is likely because of one of their own security guards.

Items that have gone missing from Optum include: two Macbook Pros, a Microsoft Surface computer, an Iphone, and a bag of Toys for Tots donations.

According to a search warrant, Eden Prairie police believe 33-year-old Jamal Haji Abukar is behind the items that are missing.

The search warrant:

On November 22nd surveillance cameras caught Jamal Abukar involved in suspicious activity around the times laptops disappeared.

Additional surveillance revealed Abukar was also in a restricted area on the 15th floor of the building when two more laptop thefts ensued that same day.

The warrant also cites Abukar likely used his security jacket to conceal the laptops, although "the laptops are not seen."

Cameras later caught Abukar walking out of the building with the bag of Toys for Tots donations.

Fox 9 stopped by Abukar’s Minneapolis apartment, but he wasn’t home.

Tina Altman with “A Place of Hope Minnesota" is a Toys for Tots distributor in the east metro.

“They're not for him, they're not for him to sell.” Altman said.

 “Kids need to have hope, kids need to know Santa clause didn't forget about them, and it impacts their confidence and self-esteem.” Altman said.

The need for donations has tripled over the last few years according to Tina. This also isn’t the first “Toys for Tots” theft she’s heard of.

“Shame on him and I hope he does get prosecuted.” Altman said.