Fort Lauderdale, FL - A Broward County man has been arrested for stealing over $460,000 in rental equipment from Home Depot stores across South Florida.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) announced the arrest of Jereome Downing, a 26-year-old resident of Fort Lauderdale, in connection with the statewide theft ring targeting Home Depot stores.
Downing was apprehended on Tuesday and is currently jailed in Broward County.
Authorities believe Downing masterminded a scheme involving multiple individuals across the state.
The ring's operation involved fraudulently renting heavy machinery from Home Depot locations in West Park, Oakland Park, and various other areas.
After securing the equipment under false pretenses, the suspects would then sell the equipment online.
Investigators estimate the stolen merchandise amounts to be approximately $460,000 worth of machinery across 21 separate incidents.
BSO anticipates additional arrests as the investigation unfolds.
According to jail records, Downing faces charges of organized scheme to defraud in St. Lucie County.