TALHASSEE, Fla. — Florida officials have charged seven individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that specifically targets smoke detectors from home depot locations in the state.
The statewide prosecutor’s office for Florida Attorney General James Usmiere, in partnership with the Farm Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Agriculture Services Department, has announced the arrest after months of investigation. Officials reported discovering at least 44 thefts in 17 Florida Counties, with estimated losses exceeding $800,000.
During a search for a Hillsboro County storage unit, believed to be part of a human trafficking business, investigators recovered stolen goods worth approximately $78,000. Additionally, approximately $300,000 of stolen items were found in a warehouse in Houston, Texas, after a search conducted by Houston Police.
Thefts have been reported at Home Depostores in several counties, including Pasco, Pork, Highlands, Hillsboro, Pinellas, Orange, St. Lucy, Brevard, Lee, Manatee, Flagler, Sarasota, Seminole, Duval, St. John’s, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.
Seven defendants face felony charges, including conspiracy to assault, commit organized retail theft and trade on stolen property. Law enforcement officials say they collectively filed more than 170 previous charges.
The individuals being charged are:
Willie Hendry DelMalta Marquis Harbin Earl Choice Gordon II Charles MacLeod Jr. Eduardo Franco Vito Dwight Raychard Mosby Eugene Rojara Onia Hermis Breyan Martinez Sierra
Statewide prosecutor Aide Ben Grushaw and statewide prosecutor Paul Dontenville have been assigned to the case.
Home Depot officials and general counsel of the Florida Retail Federation and Lorena Holly both praised the investigation and issued a statement highlighting the importance of protecting businesses, employees and customers from organized retail crime.
