FLORIDA —Three Florida men are facing criminal charges for allegedly operating a theft ring that stole over $100,000 of roof sealant from Home Depot stores in 11 central and south Florida counties.
Vicky Popat, Christopher Abad, and Christopher Eduardo Baglin allegedly worked together to switch barcodes on expensive roof sealers for less-expensive items. In three years, the group stole 281 buckets of Henry 887 Tropi-Cool roof sealer in more than 25 theft incidents from Home Depot stores throughout 11 counties in south and central Florida, said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
According to the investigation, Popat, Abad, and Baglin switched the barcodes on the roof sealant, costing $248 to $445, with barcodes from Henry 345 Pre-Mixed Floor Patch, costing $9.98.
The trio reportedly stole from two to three stores daily, switching barcodes from four to 16 buckets per transaction at self-checkout stations in the stores. The men allegedly stole from Home Depot stores in Palm Beach, Indian River, Martin, Broward, Miami-Dade, Brevard, Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, and Seminole counties.
“This group switched barcodes at self-checkout stations on expensive roof sealers for items that cost 95- to 97 percent less and hit multiple Home Depot stores a day—ultimately stealing more than $100,000,” said Ms Moody.
“Now, this group faces our statewide prosecutors and time in prison, where I can promise there is no self-checkout line.”
Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution charged Mr Popat with one count of grand theft over $100,000. Mr Abad and Mr Baglin are each charged with one count of grand theft over $20,000.
All group members are charged with one count of scheme to defraud over $20,000.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement handled the investigation. Attorney General Moody’s OSP will prosecute the case.
