Investigators with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE), in coordination with the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, have targeted an organized retail theft ring in the Tampa Bay area accused of stealing Home Depot merchandise worth millions of dollars. This operation led to the arrest of Robert Dell, Jaclyn Barrie Dell, and Karen Hurley Dell on multiple felony charges and the seizure of thousands of dollars in stolen goods.
“I’m proud of our Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement making these arrests and ending a years-long organized crime spree. While some progressive states may look the other way or pursue reduced charges for retail theft, this operation sends a clear message that Florida is relentless in our pursuit of justice and will not tolerate this criminal activity,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I appreciate the investigators and law enforcement personnel who worked tirelessly on this case, as well as our partners at the Office of Statewide Prosecution and The Home Depot for their cooperation and valuable assistance. Together, we will continue to pursue a safer and more secure Florida for all its residents and visitors.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Due to the success of FORCE, another retail theft crime ring is dismantled, and our Statewide Prosecutors continue to file charges against organized retail thieves. This pastor clearly skipped over the commandment—thou shall not steal. Our FORCE taskforce shut down his criminal operation stealing millions of dollars worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores across the state to resell the items on eBay. We will not tolerate organized retail theft in Florida and my office will continue to combat these criminal organizations.”
“Organized retail crime is a growing problem for retailers, and The Home Depot is fighting it on all fronts, “ said Scott Glenn, VP of Asset Protection, The Home Depot. “We’re proud to partner with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to work together to stop dangerous criminals from stealing from our stores.”
OALE’s investigation began when The Home Depot provided specific information related to suspects committing numerous retail thefts at Home Depot locations throughout Florida over a several year period. The total value of stolen merchandise is estimated in the millions of dollars. Following months of extensive investigation, surveillance, and analysis, OALE investigators executed a search warrant at the suspects’ residence.
Arrestees Information
- Robert Dell, DOB 8/19/1966, charged with felony conspiracy to commit racketeering, felony dealing in stolen property (organized), and felony racketeering. Bond was set at $750,000.
- Jaclyn Barrie Dell, DOB 4/24/1984, charged with felony conspiracy to commit racketeering. Bond was set at $150,000.
- Karen Hurley Dell, DOB 11/12/1950, charged with felony dealing in stolen property. Bond was set at $150,000.
The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement conducts criminal investigations relating to any matter over which the department has jurisdiction, protects consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices, protects Florida’s agriculture industry from theft and other crimes, and safeguards the integrity of Florida’s food and other consumer products. In support of its mission, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement operates more than 20 agricultural interdiction stations around the state. Officers conduct vehicle inspections 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to protect Florida’s food supply and prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
