INVESTIGATORS RECOVER LARGE QUANTITY OF STOLEN RETAIL MERCHANDISE

(Federalsburg, MD) – Members of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division Upper Shore, assisted by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Dorchester County man at his residence last night where a large amount of stolen goods were recovered.

Robert Francis Palmer, 44 of the 5600-block of Fooks Avenue Federalsburg, Dorchester County Maryland is being charged with theft 10,000 to $100,000, theft Scheme 10,000 to $100,000, and burglary 4th degree. Palmer was arrested at his residence without incident and taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial court appearance.

Investigators, along with members of the JCPenney Loss Prevention executed a search and seizure warrant at Palmer’s residence. Upon execution of the search warrant numerous items were located belonging to JCPenney, to include clothing, shoes, kitchen appliances, and a tag sensor remover. JCPenney investigators approximated the value in excess of $20,000 in stolen merchandise recovered.

An ongoing investigation revealed one of JCPenney’s contracted drivers had been removing merchandise from the trailers he was hauling since June of 2014. Additional investigative measures were put in place to track the thefts.

Palmer was arrested without incident and taken before a District Court Commissioner in Dorchester County Maryland. The investigation is ongoing.