Shoplifting gang nabbed in Pasco County www.privateofficer.com

 

NEW PORT RICHEY FLA May 8 2011

Pasco County sheriff’s deputies said they have broken up a shoplifting ring with the arrest of three people.

The suspects are accused of stealing more than $200,000 worth of merchandise over the past six months throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Patrick Nierwinski, 25, and Damian Watson, 38, both of New Port Richey, and Dawn Coley, 31, of St. Petersburg, face charges of theft and dealing in stolen property.

A fourth suspect, Shaun Loree, 32, of St. Petersburg, is in the Hillsborough County Jail on unrelated charges but will face charges related to the Pasco thefts, deputies said.

Other suspects are being sought, the sheriff’s office said.

The ring targeted department and drug stores, stealing items that could easily be resold on eBay and Craigslist. Deputies said the ring had a preference for stealing Crest Whitestrips, Rogaine and diet pills.

According to an arrest report, a Pasco undercover detective sold $1,450 worth of Crest Whitestrips, Rogaine and diet pills to Nierwinski for $320 in the parking lot of Gulf View Square mall on Jan. 5.

Nierwinski believed the items were stolen, deputies said, but the merchandise was donated by local retailers to assist in the investigation.

Source:TBO