Police Uncover Theft Ring Targeting Home Depot Stores Locally
Debarylife – A retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot locations across South Florida, including in Charlotte and Sarasota counties, has charged five individuals from Miami-Dade County.
In a press release, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement stated that the arrests were part of “a large-scale organized retail theft fraud scheme” and included Maike Acosta De Armas, 47, Lazaro Santiago Acosta De Armas, 45, Yusser Echemendia Rodriguez, 42, Elias Ramos Hernandez, 48, and Honasi Diaz Santos, 47.
Numerous felonies are being brought against each man, including retail theft of several things at various physical places within 30 days and organized plots to defraud $50,000 or more.
After receiving a report from a Home Depot retail theft investigator, who claimed that the company was the subject of a fraud scheme affecting its shops across several Florida counties, the FDLE opened an investigation in July 2022.
FDLE investigators discovered 53 thefts in 13 counties with the assistance of local law enforcement. Brevard, Broward, Collier, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties were among the stores that the ring allegedly targeted, in addition to Charlotte and Sarasota.
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According to a news release, “the investigation revealed that the organized theft ring engaged in a systematic scheme to defraud totaling more than $55,000 in losses to the company.” “The plan entailed stealing goods that the suspects claimed to have already bought online and abusing the online purse system.”
Additionally, the suspects used online receipts to return products that they had taken from several Home Depot shops.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said in the press release, “In Florida, we go after organized retail thieves.” “And now, because of the efforts of our law enforcement partners, this evil organization will be held responsible for their crimes.”