Group stole $52K in Home Depot equipment with fake IDs, Manatee deputies say
An undercover operation in Manatee County led to the arrest of three people accused in a statewide Home Depot theft scheme.
Miami-area residents Nakia Moore, 48, Jaquez Lane, 28, and Kitron Richardson, 18, are accused of using fake names and identification documents to rent equipment that was never returned and then reselling it, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives linked the group to at least 55 pieces of stolen equipment valued at more than $52,000, the sheriff’s office said.
The investigation began on May 5 after Home Depot reported a pattern of rental equipment thefts involving fraudulent identification.
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Stolen Home Depot goods sold on Facebook, deputies say
During the investigation, detectives found stolen equipment being advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace and arranged an undercover purchase of an 18-inch trencher in Manatee County.
When the men arrived for the meeting, detectives determined the trencher had been stolen minutes earlier from the Home Depot on State Road 64 using fraudulent identification, according to investigators.
Deputies arrested the three men after confirming the equipment had been stolen, the sheriff’s office said. All three are charged with scheme to defraud and grand theft.
Investigators said the thefts were reported at Home Depot stores in Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Charlotte, Lee and Palm Beach counties.
Suspects used fake IDs for Home Depot fraud, sheriff says
A search of the suspects’ vehicle uncovered fraudulent identification documents, financial cards allegedly used in the scheme and additional evidence linking them to the thefts, the sheriff’s office said.
Detectives believe the group may be responsible for additional crimes in other jurisdictions, and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Jail records show Moore, Lane and Richardson remain in custody as of Wednesday morning.
Investigators are also searching for 23-year-old Angel Richardson, who detectives say participated in the theft scheme and faces charges in multiple jurisdictions.
Anyone with information about Richardson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011 or Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-8477.
This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 10:41 AM.
