By Trend News Line 2024-07-04 03:46:00.
Three Reading Residents Accused of Running a Theft Ring at FedEx Ground Facility
Three individuals from Reading, including David V. McCoy, Jessina C. Soler, and Tejahn A. Burdine, have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a theft ring at a FedEx Ground facility in Bern Township. The scheme, which spanned over two years, resulted in a loss of more than $40,000 to a commercial customer of FedEx.
Recruitment of Non-Employees to Carry Out the Theft
Detective Joshua O. Santos of the Bern Police Department revealed that the accused individuals recruited friends and relatives who were not employed by FedEx to deposit stolen phones in ecoATM kiosks. This tactic was employed after their own accounts with ecoATM were flagged for suspicious activity.
Charges and Bail Arrangements
David V. McCoy, the alleged ringleader, was committed to Berks County Prison on $80,000 bail. Jessina C. Soler and Tejahn A. Burdine, on the other hand, were released on $10,000 bail each. All three defendants are facing charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.
Additional Defendants and Charges
Apart from the three individuals employed at FedEx, ten others have been charged in connection with the theft ring. Arrest warrants have been issued for all defendants involved in the scheme. Zanida L. Devault, who was not employed by FedEx, faces 148 counts of receiving stolen property in relation to the case.
Extent of the Scheme and Investigation
Santos, the investigating officer, outlined the details of the investigation in a probable cause affidavit. The scheme involved the sale of stolen phones to ecoATM for cash, with the total amount exceeding $40,000. The investigation began after FedEx Ground security flagged employees for their involvement in the theft organization.
Pattern of Theft and Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage revealed that Soler, McCoy, and Burdine worked together to steal packages from FedEx trucks. The stolen phones were then deposited at ecoATM kiosks for cash payments. The investigation uncovered a pattern of duplicate payouts for stolen phones, amounting to the significant loss incurred by the commercial customer.
Software Glitch and Correction
A glitch in the software used by ecoATM allowed for repeated deposits of stolen phones despite matching serial numbers. The scheme, which had been ongoing for over two years, was brought to light through a careful analysis of transaction data provided by ecoATM.
In conclusion, the arrest of the three Reading residents sheds light on the elaborate theft ring that operated within the FedEx Ground facility. The collaboration between employees and non-employees in carrying out the scheme highlights the need for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent such incidents in the future..
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