James Uthmeier Unveils $800K Home Depot Theft Ring Bust
Breaking Up a Florida Crime Ring: Authorities Dismantle Organized Retail Theft Operation
Major Retail Theft Uncovered in Florida
Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced a major breakthrough in a multi-county investigation that has dismantled a crime ring focused on stealing smoke detectors from home improvement stores. The effort, led by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, has resulted in criminal charges against seven individuals.
Statewide Theft Targeting Home Depot
The criminal enterprise primarily targeted Home Depot locations across 17 counties, resulting in 44 separate theft incidents. Home Depot estimates that the losses mount to approximately $800,000. The investigation’s success demonstrates a robust partnership between Florida’s Agricultural Law Enforcement and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Texas Warehouse Raided in Multi-State Probe
The investigation revealed that the stolen smoke detectors were channeled through various locations, eventually ending up in a Houston, Texas, warehouse. A search warrant executed by Houston police uncovered about $300,000 worth of stolen items there. Additionally, $78,000 worth of smoke detectors was recovered from a storage facility in Hillsborough County, Florida.
A Unified Stand Against Organized Retail Theft
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized Florida’s commitment to combating retail crime. “Florida means business when it comes to organized retail theft,” he stated. Simpson expressed concern over the lax approach in other states and reaffirmed Florida’s dedication to holding criminals accountable.
Impact and Charges Filed
Home Depot officials expressed relief at the outcome of the investigation. Scott Glenn, Vice President of Asset Protection at The Home Depot, highlighted the ongoing commitment to protecting their customers, associates, and communities. The collaboration with Attorney General Uthmeier and Florida lawmakers was pivotal in addressing this rising issue.
| Suspects Charged | Nature of Charges |
|---|---|
| Willie Hendry | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Delmarta Marquis Harvin | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Earl Choyce Gordon II | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Charles McCloud Jr. | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Eduardo Franco Viruet | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Dwight Rachard Mosby | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
| Eugene Rohala Oneal, Hermis Brayan Martinez Sierra | Conspiracy, Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property |
A total of 170 criminal charges have been filed against the suspects, focusing on conspiracy, racketeering, organized retail theft, and dealing in stolen property. This operation reflects Florida’s unified approach to fighting organized retail theft and sets a precedent for future law enforcement collaborations.
