http://www.nydailynews.com/new...ng-article-1.2998882

Twelve thieves busted for stealing $12M worth of electronics, ink cartridges in retail ring

Some “sticky fingers” better get used to cuffs.

Authorities busted 12 people for their involvement in a retail theft ring that stole over $12 million in high-end electronics and ink cartridges from retail stores in 28 states.

The arrests were the result of “Operation Sticky Fingers,” a 10-month investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office.

The bust is one of the biggest takedowns of a retail theft ring ever, according to his office.

Officers confiscated more than 5,300 stolen electronics and ink cartridges from the crew’s alleged kingpin, Richard Rimbaugh, as well as from the enterprise’s alleged theft crew manager, George Athanasatos. Investigators also seized more than $7.7 million from the defendants’ homes, financial institutions and Amazon and PayPal merchant accounts.

During the takedown, investigators discovered meticulous financial records, Schneiderman said.

"Organized retail crime is far from a victimless crime," Schneiderman said. “Retail theft is becoming increasingly organized, with crime rings preying on businesses and creating a vicious cycle that ultimately harms consumers, when the costs are passed on in the form of higher prices,” Schneiderman said. “But these thieves are now on notice: we won't hesitate to pursue retail theft and prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

Under the 41-count indictment, the men were charged with corruption, money laundering, criminal possession of stolen property and conspiracy.

If convicted of the most serious charges, each defendant faces eight to 25 years in prison.

Rimbaugh was arraigned in front of Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley.

“He’s been dealing in stolen goods for more than 20 or 30 years," said assistant attorney general Shanon LaCorte. "He has had no other legitimate business in that time.”

“Since 2009 alone he has resold more than 20 million in stolen goods based on his ability to send these theft crews around the country stealing items at his direction,” she added.

He pleaded not guilty.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Athanasatos was also arraigned before the same judge.

“Basically what he did was direct several theft crews to travel the country on a continual basis and steal from retail electronic stores such as Staples and Best Buy," LaCorte said. "They did this to the tune of thousands of dollars per day.”

Stolen 20-30 million in goods and bond was 50,000? WTH.

quote:

Originally posted by Sigfest:
Stolen 20-30 million in goods and bond was 50,000? WTH.

No wonder he has been dealing in stolen goods for 20 to 30 years. How many times has he been caught before??

If he doesn't show up, maybe the Judge who set the bail can take his place?

41

It's the same formula for identity thieves. Nobody really tries to get the assholes that steal small(ish) amounts repeatedly from ordinary folks around the world. That shit adds up and I honestly think there should be a very stiff penalty for anyone tried and convicted of such stupidity. Not just a club fed kinda place, but a taking it in the ass repeatedly kinda place!

quote:

Originally posted by mutedblade:
It's the same formula for identity thieves. Nobody really tries to get the assholes that steal small(ish) amounts repeatedly from ordinary folks around the world. That shit adds up and I honestly think there should be a very stiff penalty for anyone tried and convicted of such stupidity. Not just a club fed kinda place, but a taking it in the ass repeatedly kinda place!

One walmart here in SL County lost $4200 in ink a couple of days ago. Just two guys coming in, grabbing a couple of totes from Housewares, filling them with ink, and exiting thru a fire door where their van was waiting. all at 2:15am.

Ill have to check the BOLO to see if the faces from the store look like any of these guys - but i doubt it. Just another theft ring, im sure.

WalMarts seem to be crime magnets. Just about every day I read our local "Patch" online town news and someone is always arrested for shoplifting at that store. It keeps the police from their regular patrols having to constantly go there.

Even if the people doing the actual boosting get busted, unless the prosecution can tie them to a ring, it's usually a slap on the wrist.

Good I Hope they hang these scum.

I cant stand thieves!

F Them

HK Ag