An employee at the Home Depot in Montgomeryville has been accused of stealing nearly $2,000 in merchandise over a seven-week period between November and December of last year.
George Ruiz, 55, of Lansdale, was charged on Jan. 9 with felony counts of retail theft and receiving stolen property, following an investigation by the Montgomery Township Police Department. He’s currently free on $5,000 unsecured bail.
Police were contacted by asset protection staff from the Home Depot on Horsham Road on Jan. 8 regarding three alleged retail thefts committed by their employee, identified as Ruiz. Investigators learned that Ruiz had stolen a combined $1,980 worth of merchandise via thefts that occurred on Nov. 7, Dec. 20, and Dec. 23, according to the criminal complaint.
During the incident on Dec. 23, Ruiz was confronted by asset protection personnel as he attempted to steal a pair of Dewalt tools, however he refused to engage in an interview, police said. Those items were recovered by store security, according to the complaint.
Due to the combined value of the stolen items, the charges were graded as a felony, police said.
Ruiz was arraigned on Jan. 10, and his next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
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