In a significant crackdown on organized retail theft, the Utah Attorney General’s Crimes Against Statewide Economy (C.A.S.E.) Strike Force apprehended Manuel Gonzalez, accused of conducting a series of thefts at Home Depot stores across Utah. The sting resulted in the recovery of over $82,000 in stolen merchandise, including various home improvement items such as electrical outlets, breakers, switches, and carbon monoxide detectors, which were found in the suspect’s motel room and van after a search warrant was executed.
The arrest underscores the continued efforts by Utah’s C.A.S.E. Strike Force to dismantle traveling theft rings that have been burdening businesses by stealing and reselling goods. The force, overseen by the Utah Attorney General’s Office in collaboration with the Department of Public Safety, has proven to be instrumental, and Gonzalez, with his alleged statewide spree, is now facing multiple theft-related charges after being booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
Shedding light on the broader implications of such crimes, Utah’s Attorney General Sean D. Reyes highlighted the importance of the strike force in his statement, as reported by the Utah Attorney General’s Office. “In 2020, my office launched the nation’s first Crimes Against Statewide Economy (CASE) Strike Force to combat the rise in organized retail crime. Massive shoplifting organizations were costing retailers and consumers tens of billions annually. Many states have followed our leadership, and we are working together to shut down theft and fraud by unlawful commercial enterprises,” Reyes said.
Reyes also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration among local law enforcement agencies, which included the Taylorsville Police Department, the West Jordan Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigations, the Orem Police Department, and the American Fork Police Department and recognized the partnership with major retailers such as Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, Lowes, and Ulta Beauty that are pivotal in addressing the persistent issue of organized retail theft. “We also appreciate the work by investigators from Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, Lowes, and Ulta Beauty for actively working with us to combat this problem,” said Reyes, as per Utah Attorney General’s Office.
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