3 Arrested In Home Depot Equipment Theft Scheme: Manatee County Sheriff

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County detectives have arrested three Miami-area suspects accused of carrying out a statewide scheme involving rental equipment stolen from multiple Home Depot stores across Florida.

The investigation began May 5 after Home Depot reported a pattern of rental equipment thefts involving fraudulent identification, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives determined the suspects used fake names and identification to rent equipment that was never returned.
Investigators linked the group to at least 55 stolen pieces of equipment valued at more than $52,000 from stores in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Charlotte, Lee and Palm Beach counties, the sheriff’s office said.

During the investigation, investigators found stolen equipment advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Undercover detectives arranged to buy an 18-inch trencher and set up a meeting in Manatee County.

When the suspects arrived, detectives confirmed the trencher had been stolen minutes earlier from the State Road 64 Home Depot using fraudulent identification, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies then arrested 48-year-old Nakia Moore, 28-year-old Jaquez Lane and 18-year-old Kitron Richardson. All three are charged with scheme to defraud and grand theft.

A search of the suspects’ vehicle uncovered fraudulent identification documents, financial cards used in the scheme and other evidence linking them to the thefts, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives believe the group may be responsible for additional crimes in other jurisdictions, and further charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Investigators are also searching for 23-year-old Angel Richardson, who is wanted for her alleged role in the theft scheme and is facing charges in multiple jurisdictions.

Anyone with information on Richardson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011.

People who want to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward can contact Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477 or submit a tip online at ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.

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