Two senior citizens in Southwest Florida pled guilty to charges involving mail fraud after security cameras at various retail stores caught them shoplifting. Below is an official statement released by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg:
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Naples couple Richard Murtaugh (age 81) and Gail Murtaugh (age 77) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, beginning at least as early as September 2020, the Murtaughs engaged in a scheme to steal merchandise from big box retailers and grocers in Collier and Lee Counties, and to sell the stolen merchandise on their eBay store “dickandgail.” In 2021 and 2022 specifically, the Murtaughs were captured on store video surveillance stealing thousands of dollars worth of personal hygiene products, grooming supplies, nicotine products, teeth whitening and dental care supplies, over the counter medications, drill bits, and other merchandise from big box retailers and grocers in the Southwest Florida area. An investigation of eBay records showed that between December 2020 and May 2022, the Murtaughs were paid $175,621.31 in profits by eBay for the sale of stolen goods.
In April 2022, the United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant at the Murtaughs’ home on Isle of Capri in Naples, Florida. Inside the residence, postal inspectors located thousands of dollars’ in stolen merchandise appearing to be the same or similar to merchandise the Murtaughs had been observed stealing from various retailers. Additionally, the Murtaughs’ iPads were searched, which contained photos that matched the listing photos of stolen merchandise on the Murtaughs’ eBay store.
As part of their guilty pleas, the Murtaughs have agreed to forfeit $175,621.31, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Trent Reichling.
