An employee of Lowe’s home improvement center in Ruston who said he found a noose in his locker at work was arrested today on internal-theft charges.

Ruston police said they are still investigating the complaint about the noose. They would not say whether they believe it was a legitimate claim or one intended to deflect attention from the theft investigation that had targeted him.

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Jonathan McZeal, 25, of Jennings was booked on felony theft charges. Police said McZeal worked as a cashier and the alleged theft of more than $500 involved making refund payments for merchandise that was never bought.

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McZeal, a former student at Grambling State University, told police he found a noose and a threatening letter in his work locker last month.

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