Deputies Bust Ebay Theft Ring

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Ebay Racket Busted

Volusia County, FL-A six week multi-agency investigation, "Operation Fitbit," resulted in the arrest of four suspects involved in allegedly selling stolen goods on Ebay. VCSO PIO Andrew Gant is reporting that the ringleaders were caught in the act on Tuesday at a storage facility in Deland.

The two main suspects are 52-year-old Constantine "Mike" Joseph of DeBary and 49-year-old Sherry L. Laizer of Orange City. Others arrested are 39-year-old Robert Harrell, and 45-year-old Laurie Ashley, who got the investigation started. Ashley is the girlfriend of Joseph. She contacted the police after getting upset with Joseph and outlined the basics of the theft ring. Ashley ultimately reconciled with Joseph, returned to the theft ring and stopped talking to investigators. But the investigation moved along without her.

The charges against Joseph and Laizer include racketeering, organized dealing in stolen property and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Harrell is charged with grand theft and also has two outstanding Orange County warrants. Ashley, the instigator of the investigation, has been charged with grand theft.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional arrests are possible.

Constantine Mike JosephSherry LaizerLaurie AshleyRobert Harrell

(Constantine "Mike" Joseph, Sherry Laizer, Laurie Ashley and Robert Harrell...photos courtesy of Volusia County Sheriff's Office)

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