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Friday, July 22, 2011
GOOSE CREEK, SC (WCSC) - Authorities say they are on the lookout for six to twelve suspects involved with a shoplifting ring in Goose Creek.
The announcement comes on the heels of Wednesday's arrest of 44-year-old Felicia Sanders Smith in connection to the shoplifting ring that authorities say was being operated out of Mr. Flap's Pawn Shop.
Deputies charged Smith with receiving and possessing stolen goods valued at $10,000 or more. Authorities say Smith was the mastermind behind the shoplifting ring which spans several states. A tip by an informant led authorities to the case.
Investigators say items were stolen and then sold either from the Goose Creek pawn shop or through online services such as eBay. According to investigators, the main items that the suspects were stealing was pet supplies.
People were recruited from several states and paid to steal specific items. Deputies recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Investigators report that $100,000 of pet supplies were also recovered as a result of the investigation.
"We've categorized it as a shoplifting ring. It was massive, large, huge. This was not just a small bust," said Dan Moon with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities say that the investigation started back in January. The investigation involved the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, SLED, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and the Goose Creek Police Department.
Source: http://www.live5news.com/story/15121019/shoplifting-ring-goose-creek-pawn-shop If you, or someone you know, have any information regarding any crime, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. You could earn a reward up to $1,000.Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 554-1111, toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or online at www.5541111.com. Texters can send anonymous tips to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with "TIPCSL". Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.