Pawn shop investigations lead to arrests

Three suspects who allegedly stole approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise from Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other retailers were apprehended on Jan. 8 and 9 in Louisville, Ky.

According to a report by WDRB-TV, Kimberly Jo Sweazy, 41; Carl Griffin, 38; and Dustin Johnson, 27, shoplifted items from several stores in Louisville and then returned the merchandise. Since they had no receipts, the stores issued gift cards or in-store credit. 

Police say that Sweazy took merchandise worth more than $500 from the Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s and J.C. Penney between Oct. 24 and Dec. 21. Griffin is accused of stealing items valued at $500 from Lowe’s and Home Depot during December 2012 between Dec. 3 and Dec. 26. Johnson is accused of stealing from Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s and Kohl’s in excess of $1,000 between Dec. 3 and Jan. 1.

According to the arrest report, all three individuals sold the gift cards for less than their face value to "various pawn shops and second hand dealers." Police were able to obtain the suspects' names from pawn shop records.

The three suspects were charged with theft by unlawful taking.