Florida Crime Ring Steals $1 Million in Utility Equipment from Home Depot Stores

Multiple people were arrested in Florida for stealing $1.1 million worth of rental equipment from Home Depot stores across 16 counties in the state. The thefts were discovered during an investigation called "Operation Heavy Lift" after Home Depot investigators noticed a pattern of one-day rentals made by people with Orlando addresses, with GPS devices cut off just hours after leaving the store. The stolen equipment was later posted on social media sales sites. Bryon Johnson, the ring leader, was arrested in January 2022 and is currently serving time in a Florida state prison. Three other people were arrested and charged, while two others, including Johnson's girlfriend and the owner of Smiley's Heavy Equipment Services, are still at large.