FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Franklin County detectives are searching for three suspects connected to thefts from large retail stores around the county.
The sheriff's office says the suspects are accused of obtaining a “shopping list” from small convenience store operators, stealing those items from large retail establishments such as Target and Sephora, then reselling them back to the smaller store at a discounted price and taking a cut of the money.
Detectives have already arrested Mark Long, one of the suspects connected to the theft ring, but are continuing the search for others who may be involved.
Long is facing 21 charges, including 15 misdemeanors and six felonies. FCSO said he stole items adding up to $30,000 from Target and Sephora stores around Franklin County.
Items that detectives say Long stole include fragrance bottles, wireless headsets, TVs, monitors and vinyl records.
Authorities said that if people keep stealing from large retail stores, it could begin to affect consumers' wallets.
"Truly it is something that snowballs into a greater impact than we first see it surface. So if you're looking to get an item that used to cost 19 dollars, it may be 22 dollars now because we have almost $30,000 of associated retail crime just with one individual. That cost is effectively pushed onto the consumer down the road," said FCSO Detective Caleb Loposser.
The detectives wouldn't name the convenience stores behind the crime but say they believe the stores are in Franklin County.
FCSO is now looking to the public to help identify the other three known individuals involved.
If you have any information regarding any of those involved, contact the Detective Bureau at (614) 525-6798.