Police find $5,000 worth of merchandise in his home.
Germantown, Md (KM) A Germantown man who was allegedly acting as a fence for stolen property has been arrested. Ricardo Aparicio, 43, was taken into custody on Tuesday, charged with multiple counts of theft for knowingly possessing stolen property.
Montgomery County Police say they located about $5,000 worth of merchandise in his home at 19500 Frederick Road. . Detectives are trying to determine if the items were stolen.
Authorities say they began their investigation after receiving complaints from retailers such as Target and Safeway that shoplifting suspects were selling products they stole to a home on Frederick Road. Detectives say their investigation determined it was Aparicio’s home.
On several occasions an officer working undercover met with Aparicio and sold implied stolen merchandise to him. He told the officer what merchandise he was looking for, and provided tips on how to steal it.
Investigators say Aparicio purchased stolen merchandise and -sold them for profit.
Police say this investigation is continuing, and Aparicio could face additional charges.
By Kevin McManus