Arrest warrants were issued for eight people on federal charges of interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony, Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and Calvin Williams, Chief, Cleveland Division of Police.
Adolph Boyd III, 24, Tyron Hicks, 30, and Jerome Goins, 21, were taken into custody by FBI agents and detectives from the Cleveland Police Department’s Gang Impact Unit without incident early this morning.
Padra Graves, 35, Delante Hudson-Frost, 22, Dennis McKenzie, 20, and Darnell Foster, 20, were already incarcerated and were transferred into federal custody this morning.
Law enforcement is asking the public for information leading to the location of Melvin Swinney, 21.
All eight individuals are from the Cleveland area. However, Graves was incarcerated in Columbus and will be transported to the Cleveland area next week.
From April to July 2016, members of this conspiracy traveled to nine states on 18 occasions to steal cell phones and other electronic devices by breaking into retail stores and kiosks with pry bars either just prior to closing or after closing. These individuals would then return to Cleveland with the stolen property, according to a criminal complaint unsealed today.
- the stolen devices were in Cleveland, they would be sold to gas stations or phone stores and then sold either out-of-state or overseas. It is believed the loss and damages amount exceeds $500,000, according to the complaint.
These individuals will appear in Judge Greenberg’s court room this afternoon for their initial appearance.
Any questions regarding this news release can be directed to SA Vicki D Anderson at the Cleveland Office of the FBI, 216-522-1400 or Vicki.Anderson@ic.fbi.gov.