Jeffersontown Police charge 2 men for crime ring targeting Louisville area Lowe's stores

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jeffersontown Police made two arrests in what it said is an organized crime ring targeting Louisville-area Lowe's stores.

Two men were arrested for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 worth of merchandise from multiple stores.

Aubrey Walker and William Walker were in court Wednesday on charges of theft and organized crime. William Walker also had charges in Franklin and Hardin counties.

Jeffersontown Police Chief Rick Sanders said his officers served warrants across Louisville on Tuesday as part of a stolen property recovery operation.

WDRB cameras captured police recovering items at a home on Virginia Avenue in the Chickasaw neighborhood. A moving truck was used to load the stolen merchandise that included large metal tool boxes, building supplies and outdoor heaters.

Court records show police believe there were at least five people involved in the theft ring. The arrest report said between May and November of this year, the suspects charged merchandise from Lowe's in Kentucky and Indiana to various company accounts. But Lowe's wouldn't get paid, because the men didn't work for those companies.

"This is a huge amount of economic loss, but let's face it -- restitution is probably never going to happen and this is not the type of behavior I think we will deter in this point in time," the city attorney, said.

Investigators were able to identify the suspects with video surveillance footage.

In court, an attorney for William Walker asked the judge to consider a lower bond of $25,000.

"His bond right now is astronomical high for a retail theft," Attorney Nicholas Neumann said. "I understand the dollar amount over the last several months is potentially going to add up there, but still, if you are concerned about him being a flight risk or a danger, there is nothing in his record that would indicate that a bond of $250,000 is justified."

Bond ended up being set at $50,000. The judge said if the suspects are released, neither can go to Lowe's or any retail establishment. He said both men could only go to a grocery store.

"The truth of the matter is these types of crimes are costing everything to be mores expensive for all of us. So, I think 50-thousand, 10 percent, I think is a reasonable amount; and he still has Franklin and Hardin," Judge Sara M Nicholson, said.

WDRB reached out to Lowe's, but did not hear back.

Jeffersontown Police plan to release an update on Thursday.

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