Second Arrest Made In East Haven Home Depot 'Organized Theft' Conspiracy

EAST HAVEN, CT — A second arrest has been made in connection with the organized Home Depot retail theft investigation of earlier this week, police said.

The investigation, which was initiated by Home Depot’s Asset Protection Team, uncovered a pattern of suspicious transactions where a customer, police said. The investigation found that 51-year-old Stacey M. Grier of Hamden, repeatedly approached the same register operated by the same employee, Thomas Reynolds, 22, of Branford.

Grier was arrested and charged Tuesday. Thursday afternoon, East Haven police Capt. Joseph M. Murgo said Reynolds turned himself to police after "learning of an active arrest warrant submitted by investigating Officer Stephen Marsico."

Murgo explained that over the course of at least 15 visits, the customer (Grier) was knowingly undercharged or allowed to leave with high-value merchandise without paying full price, or without paying at all. According to East Haven police, surveillance footage and transaction records confirmed the repeated activity.

"In exchange, the customer (Grier) allegedly provided cash payments to the employee (Reynolds) involved following the transactions.

Both men are charged with third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.