Multi Agency Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests Suspects participated in large retail theft ring; stole millions in merchandise. Evansville, IN – In Early January of 2014, an investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigations Southwest Indiana Violent Crime Task Force, the Evansville Police Department, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana State Police and the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office began. That investigation has led to charges against 16 individuals in connection to a retail theft ring accused of stealing millions of dollars worth of merchandise from local retailers. Charged with Corrupt Business Influence – Class C Felony (2-8 Years) are: Jeremy Ford, Kyle Philpott, Patrick Walsh, Kyle Jones, Dane Joseph Reiter, Lane Avery, Hilary Arney, Zachary Williams, Jourdan Baird, Eric Stucker, Robert Savage, Caleb Meeler, Lauren Wallace, Stephani Spain, Angela Bevins. Philpott, Walsh, Reiter, Ford and Avery are also charged with a criminal gang enhancement. If found guilty of this enhancement, they each face up to 16 years. The investigation also led to charges against Mario Butler – Dealing in a Narcotic Drug – Level 3 Felony (3-16 years). Additionally, a juvenile was charged with Burglary. Two additional suspects, Michael J Rupert and Kyle L Hudson, were charged federally in this case. Rupert is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation of Stolen Goods (max 5 years) and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Goods (max 10 years). Hudson is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Interstate Transportation of Stolen Goods (max 5 years). In early 2014, the Evansville Police Department began investigating a series of high-end merchandise thefts from local merchants, including several stores located in Eastland Mall. Evansville Police Officer Jeff Hands, working in conjunction with Eastland Mall Security connected a getaway vehicle to an employee (Jones) who worked at Eastland Mall, and through the investigation, Jones was determined to be involved in the series of thefts. With the cooperation of Jones, the investigation continued and the Co-Conspirators were uncovered. Items stolen from these retailers (16 stores total) included high end vacuum cleaners, athletic apparel, high end clothing, power tools, copper piping, flat screen televisions, and high end purses /accessories. Prosecutor Hermann: “Investigations of this size take the efforts of many agencies and are dependent on the time and resources they invest. The FBI and EPD did a tremendous job of curbing retail theft and uncovering the largest organized theft ring in recent memory. I also want to commend the retailers who stepped forward to help us solve this case. White collar crime is not victimless and today was a good day for curbing retail theft in Vanderburgh County.” “Organized shoplifting rings harm our local economy and cannot hide behind state lines”, said Acting United States Attorney Josh Minkler. “Our law enforcement partners will find you and prosecute to the fullest extent of federal law.” Evansville Police Chief Billy Bolin: “This investigation has led to over a dozen other criminal investigations and crimes solved due to the additional focus on shoplifting prevention. I want to thank all agencies involved in this operation this morning.” FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Jay Abbott stated “this case is another example that demonstrates the outstanding law enforcement cooperation between the FBI, Evansville Police Department, Indiana State Police, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office and Warrick County Sheriff’s Department and is the result of significant assistance provided by private sector entities including Dillard’s, Home Depot, Macy’s and Wal-Mart”. Under Indiana law, all criminal defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court of law
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 17:59:59 +0000
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