Buying From Online Yard Sales? It Could Be Stolen Property

RIVERVIEW, FL -- All those great deals available on Facebook yard sale sites might not be such great deals after all.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office found that new items listed for sale on local Internet sites because the seller got a gift he didn't want or purchases items in bulk are likely stolen.

The sheriff's office wrapped up a two-month investigation into the sale of stolen goods last week when detectives arrested 34 people and recovered more than $90,000 in new, unopened items.

Detectives worked in conjunction with Home Depot corporate security to target thieves (boosters) who were stealing goods from its stores, as well as others retailers, and then reselling the items to intermediaries (fences) for almost 80 percent off retail.

The fences then sell the stolen goods to the public at approximately 30 percent off the retail price, claiming they are authorized dealers, purchase in bulk or are selling a gift they received.

The fences used OfferUp, Let-Go and Facebook Marketplace to advertise their stolen goods.

Just four east Hillsborough County Home Depot stores (Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and Sun City Center) reported a loss of more than $2.4 million in power tools over the past year.

On April 19-20, detectives conducted a two-day sting operation targeting "boosters" as they attempted to steal from the four east Hillsborough County Home Depot stores. The sting resulted in the arrest of 21 people.

On April 24, the sheriff’s office executed simultaneous search warrants at the homes of the four main fences.

They arrested Joshua Burr, 31; Kyle Walters ,37; Duane Gutherie, 46; and Aaron Orr, 34. Between them, they were collectively charged with eight first-degree felonies and nine second-degree felonies.

During their arrests, the following items were seized:

More than $90,000.00 of new-in-box merchandise

$30,000.00 in U.S. currency

5.2 pounds of Marijuana

A stolen 2008 boat

A stolen 2015 boat trailer

A 2005 Dixie Chopper lawn mower

A 2013 Dodge Challenger

A 2010 Honda Accord

Image via Hillsborough Sheriff