Seven Men Arrested in $800K Smoke Detector Theft Ring Targeting Florida Home Depot Stores
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Seven men have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft ring accused of stealing more than $800,000 worth of smoke detectors from Home Depot stores across Florida.
Multi-County Theft Operation
According to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, investigators linked the suspects to at least 44 separate thefts, including one case in Lee County where $3,000 worth of smoke detectors were stolen in May.
“These are not victimless crimes,” Uthmeier said. “At the end of the day, it’s consumers who pay the price when retail theft occurs — with higher security costs, higher prices, and ultimately, communities that are less safe.”
The thefts spanned numerous counties, including Pasco, Polk, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Orange, St. Lucie, Brevard, Lee, Manatee, Flagler, Sarasota, Seminole, Duval, St. Johns, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.
Stolen Goods Recovered
During a search in Hillsborough County, investigators recovered $78,000 in stolen merchandise. Authorities also worked with the Houston Police Department, where another $300,000 in stolen product was found at a Texas facility connected to the operation.
In total, officials estimate Home Depot stores lost more than $800,000 in merchandise.
Extensive Criminal Histories
Between the seven men arrested, law enforcement reported a combined total of more than 170 prior charges.
The suspects, identified as 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, are now facing felony charges including Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering, Organized Retail Theft, and Dealing in Stolen Property.
The Broader Impact
Law enforcement agencies say large-scale retail theft not only impacts companies like Home Depot but also drives up costs for ordinary consumers. Investigators stressed that organized retail crime has grown more sophisticated, with stolen goods often trafficked across state lines for resale.
The suspects are awaiting court appearances as the investigation continues.
Do you think Florida needs harsher penalties for organized retail theft rings? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
