A four-day operation targeting retail theft in Sarasota County has put 14 criminals (mug shots posted on website) behind bars, according to a news release. During the operation, deputies focused on shops in Sarasota and Venice.
On May 18, a loss prevention employee at a Sarasota store let deputies know that Jason Leach and James Romaglio tried to fraudulently return stolen merchandise, according to a news release from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
During a traffic stop and short foot pursuit, deputies also identified John Sellers, Glen Best, and Jennifer Schmitz as co-conspirators who were also in possession of stolen merchandise, the release said. Deputies later determined that Sellers, Best, and Schmitz were also involved in fraudulent merchandise returns. All five were taken into custody and deputies found drug paraphernalia inside their car.
The public-private partnership with SCSO and local retailers began in 2013 in hopes of preventing retail theft. In total, 14 arrests were made and 38 charges have been filed. Combined, the criminals have racked up 193 prior charges and 96 prior convictions… NBC2 News
