CMPD: Multiple People Arrested In Major Retail Theft Ring

March 23, 2022

Deeandra Michel,

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Vehicles used to transport stolen goods
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Merchandise seized
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Merchandise Seized
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Merchandise Seized
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Cash Seized
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Cash seized
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Steven Vanderburg
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Dhruv Desai
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Cesar Calixto Navarro
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Emilio Sanchez

CHARLOTTE N.C.– CMPD says they arrested several people in connection to a major retail theft ring that spanned multiple states.

The investigation began in January when detectives identified Steven Vanderburg as a suspect in several cases where expensive tools were stolen from Home Depot stores throughout Mecklenburg County and Cabarrus County.

Since the investigation began in January, investigators discovered Vanderburg and his girlfriend, 29-year old Cheri Taylor had stolen approximately $250,000 – $300,000 worth of equipment from both Home Depot and Lowes Home Improvement stores, according to a news release.

Police say Vanderburg sold the stolen tools on social media sites at a discounted rate. During undercover operations, investigators say they discovered where the stolen tools were stored and multiple vehicles used to transport the merchandise.

Vanderburg and Taylor were arrested on March 8th. Law enforcement officer’s between North Carolina and South Carolina aided with the discovery of four additional alleged accomplices involved, police say.

Search warrants were issued in reference to the four additional accomplices which yielded approximately $50,000 worth of stolen tools, three vehicles, and $82,000 in cash. All six suspects were arrested and are facing a slew of charges related to organized theft.