Meet The Pastor Behind The Shoplifting Epidemic

The most unlikely source of the Home Depot shoplifting crime epidemic is a 56 Robert Dell, a seemingly ordinary church pastor.Show more

He emerges as the orchestrator of a widespread shoplifting epidemic plaguing retailers across America. This meticulously organized operation, costing retailers hundreds of millions annually, has far-reaching implications for communities and businesses alike.

Dell's story takes a surprising turn as we learn of his dual role as the former director of a halfway house for recovering drug addicts in St. Petersburg, Florida. Exploiting his position of trust, Dell allegedly coerced vulnerable individuals under his care to engage in theft, leveraging his authority to manipulate them into the scheme.

The stolen goods, carefully selected for their ease of concealment, retained value, and high demand, primarily hailed from Home Depot stores. These technical tools became the currency of Dell's operation, promptly finding new owners on the online market. Dell's eBay moniker, "Anointed Liquidator," unwittingly served as a digital storefront for these illicit transactions, ultimately becoming the linchpin in the unraveling of his criminal empire.

As authorities honed in on the eBay account, a pattern emerged. Tools matching those reported stolen from stores consistently surfaced on "Anointed Liquidator" shortly after their disappearance. This crucial discovery provided the groundwork for a seven-month investigation that culminated in Dell's apprehension on August 7, 2023.

The scope of this operation extended beyond Dell himself, as co-conspirators were identified in the form of his wife, Jaclyn Dell, and his mother, Karen Dell. Allegations suggest their involvement in the collection, shipment, and payment for the stolen goods, further complicating an already intricate web of deceit.

The targeted Home Depot stores were strategically located across multiple counties, spanning hundreds of miles within Florida. Their losses, estimated at over five million dollars, prompted a collaboration between the company and Florida law enforcement, instigating a rigorous investigation led by Attorney General Ashley Moody's office.

Dell, now facing charges including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and dealing in stolen property as an organizer, has entered a not-guilty plea. In response to these shocking revelations, The Rock Church, where Dell once served as pastor, publicly disassociated from him, asserting that he had not been affiliated with the church for two and a half years.

This revelation sheds light on the alarming surge in retail crime plaguing the United States. Beyond immediate financial losses, it has far-reaching consequences, leading to store closures and impacting communities already grappling with access to essential resources. Smaller businesses face dire straits, with millions in losses forcing them to pass on the burden to law-abiding customers through increased prices.

The story of Robert Dell serves as a stark reminder that crime knows no bounds, and those we least suspect may be harboring the most audacious of secrets.

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