A Lehigh County resident has been charged with multiple offenses for allegedly using stolen credit cards to acquire nearly $100,000 worth of merchandise from Lowe’s stores across Pennsylvania. The accused, Alex Jose Rulan, 33, from Allentown, faces charges including corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, criminal conspiracy, and identity theft.
Rulan is currently held at Montgomery County Jail on separate charges. "This defendant systematically targeted consumers and stores across the Commonwealth to steal high-dollar goods," stated Attorney General Dave Sunday. He credited the Organized Retail Crime Unit's efforts in halting further criminal activities affecting Pennsylvanians.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. alerted authorities earlier this year about Rulan's use of stolen store credit cards to buy items such as flooring and air conditioning units. In some instances, he allegedly used fake identification to impersonate cardholders.
Between June and December 2023, Rulan reportedly visited at least 23 Lowe’s locations in more than a dozen counties statewide, amassing approximately $96,000 in purchases. The investigation into these activities continues.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Philip M. McCarthy is prosecuting the case. It is important to note that all charges are allegations at this stage and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.