DURHAM, N.C. — What authorities say was a well-organized retail theft operation stretching across three states has now been shut down following an eight-month investigation led by the Durham County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators say the case involved coordinated thefts from major retailers throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. After months of surveillance, evidence gathering, and cross-state collaboration, deputies served arrest warrants on February 21 before executing a search warrant at a residence in the 800 block of Liberty Street in Durham.
According to authorities, once inside the home, investigators discovered what they describe as a large quantity of merchandise believed to have been stolen. The recovered items reportedly included power tools, flat-screen televisions, electronics, small appliances, and various household goods. Officials say several well-known retail chains were impacted, including Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
Two Durham men were arrested in connection with the case.
Jefferson Dinartes-Chavez, 21, and Edenillson Dinartes-Chavez, 19, are each facing multiple felony charges, including felony larceny, possession of stolen goods or property, felony conspiracy, breaking and/or entering, and fugitive-related charges. Both suspects are currently being held at the Durham County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Authorities say the probe remains active as they work to determine the full scope of the alleged operation and whether additional suspects could face charges.
