Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/329100
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested four men in connection with an orga- nized retail theft ring that stole thousands of dollars' worth of lawn equipment that the men then sold in order to buy drugs, the office has announced. The Tactical Unit conducted surveillance on residents of 3721 Stokes Ave. in Sarasota as part of a joint investigation with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, a news release says. Deputies observed the men at multiple Lowe's and Home Depot stores in Sarasota, Charlotte and Manatee counties. The men allegedly pawned the stolen equipment or sold it to private individuals, claiming they bought the items with gift cards and wanted cash, the release continues. Those arrested were Bruce Ponder, 26; Richard Easton, 27; Jacob Davis, 26; and Davis' brother, Jason Davis, 21. The suspects are facing 16 charges in Sarasota County and six charges in Manatee County, includ- ing Organized Retail Theft, Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property, the release adds. All have previous arrests, and Ponder was out of jail on bond for similar crimes when he was taken into custody, the release points out. FOUR MEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH RETAIL THEFT RING Evidence seized from members of an alleged retail theft ring was displayed at the Sheriff's Office. Contributed photo Sarasota News Leader June 13, 2014 Page 93