James Uthmeier announces bust of $800K Home Depot theft ring

Attorney General James Uthmeier says his office along with law enforcement agencies in several counties broke up a “crime ring” that set out to steal smoke detectors from several home improvement stores.

The investigation headed up by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement resulted in criminal charges against seven people. Officials say the “criminal enterprise” was focused on the theft of multiple smoke detectors from Home Depot stores.

“This operation is the result of a great partnership between Florida’s Ag Law and our Office of Statewide Prosecution,” said Uthmeier. “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.”

According to Uthmeier’s office, the accused had gone into Home Depots in 17 counties where there were thefts of smoke detectors in 44 different incidents. Home Depot officials say losses to the big box home improvement giant amount to about $800,000.

Law enforcement officials say the stolen smoke detectors were then trafficked in different locations stretching to a Houston, Tex., warehouse. An estimated $300,000 worth of smoke detectors were located at the Texas location after Houston police executed a search warrant there.

Law enforcement found another $78,000 worth of stolen smoke detectors at a storage facility in Hillsborough County.

“Florida means business when it comes to organized retail theft. Our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement — working with local and state partners — led a months-long investigation that dismantled a major criminal enterprise stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars of products from Home Depot stores across our state,” Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said. “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.”

Home Depot officials say they’re relieved the multi-agency investigation was effective.

“At The Home Depot, combating organized retail crime is about protecting the safety of our customers, associates, and communities,” said Scott Glenn, Vice President of Asset Protection for The Home Depot. “We’re grateful for the leadership and willingness of Attorney General Uthmeier and Florida lawmakers to stop these criminals, and we remain committed to working with law enforcement and policymakers to address this growing issue.”

A combined 170 criminal charges were filed against the suspects focusing largely on conspiracy and racketeering along with organized retail theft and dealing in stolen property. Those facing charges include Willie Hendry Delmarta Marquis Harvin, Earl Choyce Gordon II, Charles McCloud Jr., Eduardo Franco Viruet, Dwight Rachard Mosby, Eugene Rohala Oneal and Hermis Brayan Martinez Sierra.