Man Steals, Sells Rental Equipment From Detroit Area Home Depot Stores: Officials

ECORSE, MI — A Wayne County man is facing charges after stealing and selling rental equipment from multiple Home Depot stores, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Jonathan Allen, 33, of Ecorse, was charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and three counts of false pretenses of $20,000.00 or more but less than $50,000. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 19.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Officials said Allen rented multiple pieces of heavy equipment, including a backhoe, excavator, and lift, from Home Depot stores in Taylor, Utica and Farmington Hills.

Allen then put the equipment up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, explaining the items belonged to a dead relative, officials said.

Allen sold the heavy machinery to a Harrison man in June and July 2023 for $23,000, officials said.

Officials said the equipment is worth more than $70,000.

Officials have recovered all the stolen equipment, according to the Attorney General's office.

"This scheme not only victimized the individual who was conned out of thousands of dollars but also disrupted business operations at several Home Depot locations and impacted countless customers who rely on these tools for their projects," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said.