Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed criminal charges against Jereome Downing, the leader of an organized theft ring, for stealing nearly half a million dollars in heavy equipment from Home Depot stores. Downing faces multiple felony charges for his involvement in the scheme, which resulted in significant losses for both Home Depot and innocent civilians.
In a statement, Attorney General Ashley Moody expressed, “This scheme not only resulted in major losses to Home Depot, but also losses for innocent civilians buying stolen rental equipment under false pretenses. Thanks to the many law enforcement partners in this case and our Statewide Prosecutors, this defendant’s final rent is now due, and he faces serious felony charges.”
The investigation revealed that Downing utilized straw purchasers with prepaid credit cards to rent heavy equipment from Home Depot, which he then promptly listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace at discounted prices. Downing claimed to be a wholesaler selling items before auction and provided false Bill of Sale documents to the civilian purchasers. This elaborate scheme resulted in the theft and sale of 21 different pieces of rental equipment across multiple Home Depot stores in various judicial circuits in Florida.
Downing now faces charges including organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, conspiracy to commit organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, fraudulent use of personal identification, and unlawful sublease of a motor vehicle.
The Miami-Dade Police Department and Port St. Lucie Police Department, with the assistance of local jurisdictions, conducted the investigation. Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Christopher Olowin will be handling the prosecution of the case.