United States Attorney Bill Nettles recently announced that a federal court judge sentenced Eugene Jones, 60, of Goose Creek to 36 months imprisonment and 3 years supervised release.
Officials say evidence presented in the case show that from at least 2007 through 2012, Jones led a conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce via the Internet through a business he owned and operated called Patriot Pawn located in North Charleston, S.C.
Officials say Jones recruited dozens of people to steal merchandise from retail stores including Lowes, Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Belk, K-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Best Buy. Jones suggested to his co-conspirators to steal specific merchandise, including computer software, calculators, tool kits, electronic devices, and kitchen appliances.
After stealing goods from area stores, the co-conspirators took the stolen goods to Patriot Pawn, where Jones and his employees bought the stolen goods for far less than retail value, knowing the goods were stolen or obtained by fraud. Jones, with the assistance of others, sold the stolen goods on eBay, an Internet auction and shopping
site.
Authorties say Jones sold the stolen goods to buyers in other states, including: Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and California. During the conspiracy, approximately $1 million in stolen goods were sold on eBay and transported in interstate commerce, and Jones divided these illegal proceeds between himself and his co-conspirators.
The case was investigated by agents of the Secret Service and the North Charleston Police Departure. Assistant United States Attorney Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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