Durham County sheriff's deputies arrested two men accused of a “large and sophisticated retail theft ring.”
On Saturday, investigators with the sheriff’s office, along with the State Bureau of Investigations, arrested Jefferson Dinartes-Chavez, 21, and Edenillson Dinartes-Chavez, 19, at a home on Liberty Street in Durham. The two were accused of stealing items from various retail stores, including Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s and Walmart across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
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Inside the home, authorities said deputies recovered a massive cache of stolen goods such as power tools, televisions, electronics, small appliances and household products.
Both Jefferson and Edenillson face several charges, including:
- Felony Larceny
- Possession of Stolen Goods/Property
- Felony Conspiracy
- Breaking and/or Entering
- Fugitive Order
"Organized retail crime isn't just a headache for store owners; it drives up costs for every consumer and often fuels further criminal activity in our neighborhoods," said Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead. "This successful operation shows the power of public-private partnerships and the relentless dedication of our investigators."
The two are being held at the Durham County Detention Center. The investigation is still ongoing.