TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced charges against seven suspects accused in an organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores, including locations in Duval and St. Johns counties.
“This operation is the result of a great partnership between Florida’s Ag Law and our Office of Statewide Prosecution,” Uthmeier said. “We are proud that Florida doesn’t have stores with merchandise locked behind glass like you see in California, and we intend to keep it that way.”
Investigators say the criminal enterprise centered around smoke detector thefts at Home Depot stores across 17 Florida counties, with investigators uncovering at least 44 smoke detector thefts statewide. The total estimated loss from this organized retail crime ring exceeds $800,000.
Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson emphasized Florida’s commitment to combating retail theft. “While too many states are weakening their laws and turning a blind eye to retail theft, Florida is strengthening its laws and holding criminals accountable. If you steal from Florida businesses and citizens, expect to be caught and prosecuted.”
The investigation led to the recovery of $78,000 in stolen merchandise from a storage unit in Hillsborough County, believed to be part of the trafficking route before the stolen goods were transported to a large warehouse in Houston, Texas. Authorities found an estimated $300,000 worth of stolen product at the Texas facility.
The defendants face felony charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized retail theft, and dealing in stolen property.