In a shocking turn of events, a Florida preacher is facing serious allegations of involvement in an organized crime ring that specializes in selling stolen Home Depot merchandise online. Robert Dell, a resident of Pinellas County near Tampa, has been charged with multiple offenses, including racketeering and dealing in stolen property. This case raises significant questions about the intersection of faith and crime, particularly when a trusted community leader is implicated in such serious wrongdoing.
Mr. Dell was reportedly using his positions as a pastor at The Rock Church and as the director of a halfway house for recovering drug addicts to manipulate vulnerable individuals into stealing on his behalf. This exploitation of trust is particularly alarming as it highlights how some may abuse their authority for personal gain. The operation has reportedly resulted in the theft of merchandise valued at over $1.4 million from various stores across several counties, showcasing the extensive reach of this alleged criminal activity.
The Florida Attorney General's office revealed that co-conspirators Daniel Mace and Jessica Wild were responsible for the majority of the thefts, averaging five to six incidents daily. This organized effort culminated in delivering stolen goods to Pastor Dell's residence, where they were sold under the eBay store name “Anointed Liquidator.” The investigation suggests that Dell has sold approximately $3 million worth of stolen items online since 2016, and it is suspected that this scheme has been operational for over a decade, resulting in losses exceeding $5 million for retailers like Home Depot.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert Dell |
| Location | Pinellas County, Florida |
| Charges | Racketeering, dealing in stolen property |
| Alleged Theft Value | $1.4 million |
| eBay Store Name | Anointed Liquidator |
| Estimated Sales of Stolen Goods | $3 million since 2016 |
| Losses to Home Depot | Over $5 million |
The situation has garnered media attention, as Scott Glenn, the vice president of asset protection at Home Depot, noted a decline in thefts in Tampa since Dell's arrest. Glenn expressed concern that while this particular group has been apprehended, it is likely that others will rise to fill the void left by their removal from the scene. This ongoing challenge of retail theft underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective loss prevention strategies in the retail sector.
Additionally, Dell's wife, Jaclyn, and mother, Karen, have also been implicated as co-conspirators, further complicating the familial dynamics at play in this troubling case. Jaclyn faces charges of conspiracy, while Karen is charged with dealing in stolen property. This unfolding story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for crime to infiltrate even the most trusted institutions and relationships.
