Arrest in Thefts of Apple Products
Police arrested a 31-year-old Dumfries man and charged him with embezzlement of more than 60 Apple electronic products from unopened shipping packages at his worksite.
Fairfax County Police detectives received complaints from security at the United Parcel Service (UPS) facility at 8200 Alban Road in Springfield in November 2012. Security staff reported that large quantities of Apple products were disappearing from the facility. Thefts were reportedly taking place in batches since September 2012, and included such items as Macbooks, iPhones, iPods and iPads all being shipped directly from Apple to new customers. UPS became suspicious when customers started calling to inquire or complain that they had not received their products.
Detectives worked with company security, and after six months of scrutiny, court orders and a complex investigation, they uncovered the sophisticated scam that involved primarily online buyers and sellers across the D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia region.
A 31-year-old UPS sorter was arrested May 3 and charged with embezzlement. Police believe he was reportedly taking the unopened Apple products, stuffing them into his pants or otherwise concealing them and then working with others to sell them at bargain prices for holiday shoppers.
Police remind consumers, whether online or in person, to make sure they are not purchasing items that may have been stolen. Shop from trusted, reliable vendors to ensure the quality and authenticity of the product you are seeking. If an online listing price seems extremely low, the purchaser should be wary.
Knowingly purchasing stolen items is a violation of law in Virginia.
A Story ‘From the Other Side of the Wall’
“From the Other Side of the Wall,” a presentation by Palestinian farmer and director of Tent of Nations, Daoud Nassar, will take place on Monday, June 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 7434 Bath St., Springfield. Tent of Nations, a peace center located on the Nassar family farm near Bethlehem, emphasizes building bridges of understanding, reconciliation and peace in a region torn by conflict. Contact: Mill Olver, 703-569-3099 or beveolv@aol.com.