TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida authorities have charged seven individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that specifically targeted smoke detectors from Home Depot locations across the state.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, announced the arrests following a months-long investigation. Officials reported uncovering at least 44 thefts across 17 Florida counties, with estimated losses exceeding $800,000.
During a search of a storage unit in Hillsborough County, believed to be part of the trafficking operation, investigators recovered approximately $78,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Additionally, about $300,000 in suspected stolen goods was found at a warehouse in Houston, Texas, after a search conducted by Houston police.
The thefts were reported at Home Depot stores in several counties, including Pasco, Polk, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Orange, St. Lucie, Brevard, Lee, Manatee, Flagler, Sarasota, Seminole, Duval, St. Johns, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach.
The seven defendants are facing felony charges, including conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized retail theft, and dealing in stolen property. Collectively, they have more than 170 prior charges, according to law enforcement officials.
The individuals charged are:
- Willie Hendry
- Delmarta Marquis Harvin
- Earl Choyce Gordon II
- Charles McCloud Jr.
- Eduardo Franco Viruet
- Dwight Rachard Mosby
- Eugene Rohala Oneal
- Hermis Brayan Martinez Sierra
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Ben Grueschow and Chief Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Paul Dontenville are assigned to the case.
Home Depot officials and Lorena Holley, Vice President & General Counsel at Florida Retail Federation, both issued statements praising the investigation and emphasizing the importance of protecting businesses, employees, and customers from organized retail crime.
