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In Massena, three individuals are facing charges following an alleged shoplifting incident at a Home Depot store. According to New York State Police, Jason Boyea, 45, from North Bangor, and Hunter Lamay, 21, from Malone, reportedly stole over $500 worth of merchandise from the store on Tuesday (September 9).
The pair allegedly fled the scene in a pickup truck, which police traced to a nearby residence. Upon searching the home, authorities found the suspects hiding in the ceiling. Additionally, Lisa Pitts, 33, from Massena, was discovered hiding under a couch. Pitts was taken into custody due to outstanding warrants for unrelated charges, including drug and conspiracy offenses, but was later released. Boyea and Lamay were charged with petit larceny and received appearance tickets for Massena Town Court at a later date.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about retail theft, with Home Depot stores across the country experiencing similar challenges. In Southern California, authorities recently uncovered a criminal ring responsible for stealing $10 million in merchandise from Home Depot over several years. The operation involved 600 thefts in the first half of the year alone, making it the largest organized retail theft in the company's history. The alleged leader, David Ahl, faces significant charges, including organized retail theft and grand theft, and could face up to 32 years in prison if convicted.