AG: Fraud scheme targeted Home Depot stores in 18 counties

FLORIDA — Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed criminal charges against the alleged leader of a theft ring accused of stealing heavy equipment from Home Depot stores in 18 Florida counties and selling the stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace.

According to Ms Moody, the scheme resulted in nearly half a million dollars in losses and multiple felony charges.

Jereome Downing faces felony charges for allegedly stealing heavy equipment, including stump grinders, trenchers, boom lifts, and excavators. According to Moody, Mr Downing claimed to be a wholesaler and sold the equipment at discounted prices on Facebook Marketplace.

The scheme is said to have resulted in more than $460,000 in losses to Home Depot and thousands of dollars in losses to people buying the equipment.

“This scheme not only resulted in major losses to Home Depot, but also losses for innocent civilians buying stolen rental equipment under false pretenses,” said Ms Moody.

“Thanks to the many law enforcement partners in this case and our Statewide Prosecutors, this defendant’s final rent is now due, and he faces serious felony charges.”

According to the investigation, Downing sent straw purchasers into Home Depot with prepaid credit cards to rent a piece of heavy equipment, typically lasting between 24 and 48 hours. Mr Downing is accused of immediately listing the equipment for sale.

Reportedly, the listings often contained photos of units belonging to Home Depot and offered prices less than the typical market value. To explain the discount, Mr Downing claimed to be a wholesaler attempting to sell the items before taking them to auction, according to Moody’s office.

Downing also reportedly provided purchasers with a bill of sale stating his name and address.

The scheme allegedly resulted in the theft and sale of 21 pieces of rental equipment, targeting multiple Home Depot stores throughout South Florida, Florida’s Heartland, and the central part of the state.

Equipment was allegedly stolen from Home Depot stores in Hardee, Highlands, Polk, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, Monroe, Broward, Brevard, Seminole, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.

Mr Downing faces the following charges: one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, one count of conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, one count of fraudulent use of personal identification, and 21 counts of unlawful sublease of a motor vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Miami-Dade Police Department and Port St. Lucie Police Department, with the assistance of many local jurisdictions.

Attorney General Moody’s Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Christopher Olowin will prosecute the case.