About $400,000 of stolen retail merchandise was recovered from a Harrisburg home, and five people have been charged for allegedly running an organized theft operation, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release.
The investigation into the criminal activity at 214 Valhalla Dr. started on Aug. 24 that involved local authorities and organized retail theft investigators from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target, Harbor Freight and Harris Teeter (Kroger).
“The suspects posted hundreds of new in-box power tools, diapers, baby formula, laundry detergent, outdoor power equipment, small appliances, etc. for sale on online marketplace sites as well as conducting sales from the residence,” authorities said.
The items were stolen from Lowe’s and The Home Depot stores in Cabarrus County and the surrounding area over the course of more than one year, the investigation revealed.
A search warrant was executed at the home where there were thousands of in-box items, which were recovered.
“Upstairs rooms were stacked floor to ceiling with diapers and other new merchandise throughout the house,” investigators stated.
It took about 50 people with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office and various retailers over 12 hours to move and inventory all the merchandise.
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Residents Irma Hernandez and Bonifacio Silvas were charged with continuing a criminal enterprise, three counts of organized retail theft greater than $1,500, three counts of organized retail theft more than $20,000, felony possession of stolen goods and three counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods.
They are in custody at the Cabarrus County Detention Center and each have received a bond of more than $200,000.
There are outstanding warrants for Lakevis Maloye, Ke`Marseau McSwain and Jermaine Walls, with more charges pending for other suspects involved as the investigation continues.
(Watch the video below: 1,500 pounds of grapes used for communion wine stolen from church)
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