Rochester, NY, men charged in theft ring
Erie County PA Aug 18 2018
The Pennsylvania State Police charge that a group of out-of-state residents targeted 24-hour Walmart stores in Erie, Crawford and Bradford counties to steal more than $40,000 worth of merchandise over three months.
The group is also suspected of committing similar crimes in New York and Ohio, according to investigators.
Arrest warrants have been issued in Erie County for two of the suspects, identified by state police as Rochester, New York, residents Darin L. Thompson, 28, and Todd L. Jackson, 21. At least eight to 10 suspects are believed to be involved in what investigators call an organized retail theft ring. None of the suspects are believed to live in the Erie area, investigators said Thursday.
Investigators with the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Erie office charge that Thompson and Jackson were linked to a corrupt organization that targeted Walmart stores in Erie, Crawford and Bradford counties and stole printer inkjet cartridges and other high-value merchandise between March and June. During the time period, Walmart suffered losses of more than $40,000, and there were additional attempted thefts totaling more than $30,000, investigators wrote in a news release issued Thursday morning.
Investigators charge that Thompson was involved in thefts totaling $30,780 and attempted thefts totaling $27,555; and Jackson was identified as being involved in thefts totaling $7,226 and attempted thefts totaling $3,268, according to the release.
According to investigators, the thefts were initially reported to local police departments. The larger investigation was launched after authorities noted similarities in the crimes. The suspects would arrive at an open, 24-hour Walmart in the early morning hours, would grab a plastic storage tub on display at the store and would fill the tub with printer cartridges and other electronic items that they would take without paying for them, according to information in the criminal complaints against Thompson and Jackson.
Merchandise valued at between $1,065 and $8,509.54 was stolen during visits to Walmart stores in Meadville, Edinboro, Harborcreek Township, Millcreek Township, Summit Township and Sayre in Bradford County between March 17 and June 18, according to the complaint.
Warrants for the arrests of Thompson and Jackson were filed before Summit Township District Judge Brian McGowan on Wednesday. They face charges including felony counts of organized retail theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
GoErie.com
