Florida Authorities Bust Major Retail Theft Ring

Tallahassee, Florida -In a major bust, Florida law enforcement has taken down a large retail theft ring that was operating across multiple counties. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced on August 9, 2023 that they have arrested and charged several individuals involved in the major retail theft criminal enterprise.

The theft ring was headed by Robert Dell, a pastor from Pinellas County. Dell and his associates are accused of stealing over $1.4 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores through repeated, organized thefts. The stolen goods would then be illegally sold online through eBay.

In addition to Dell, four other people were arrested for their role in the major retail theft ring, including Dell’s wife and mother. Authorities say this criminal organization had been systematically targeting Home Depot stores across seven counties in Florida.

“We’ve taken a strong stance against these crime rings in Florida to protect our residents and businesses,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody about the major bust. She noted that organized retail crime affects all Floridians by driving up prices when stores pass on the cost of stolen goods to consumers.

The take down of this major retail theft syndicate represents a significant victory for Florida law enforcement who have been ramping up efforts against organized retail crime. Since 2019, over 300 suspects have been arrested in more than 90 organized retail theft cases statewide.