Jacob Nelson, Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Goods, Iowa 2013

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – A brazen scheme to pilfer high-end scientific calculators from Wal-Mart stores across state lines culminated in a 30-month federal prison sentence for Jacob Nelson, 31, of Wichita, Kansas. Nelson, along with his brother, systematically targeted the retail giant, racking up over $190,000 in stolen goods.

The sentencing, handed down on February 4, 2014, by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade, follows Nelson’s November 19, 2013 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce. The operation wasn’t just about the calculators; it was a full-blown interstate transport operation, shipping the stolen merchandise to New York City.

On August 13, 2013, Nelson and his brother were caught red-handed in Maquoketa, Iowa, attempting to drive away from the local Wal-Mart with a fresh haul of fourteen calculators valued at $1,295. A search of their vehicle revealed a staggering cache – over 200 stolen calculators valued at more than $26,000. As if the theft wasn’t enough, authorities also discovered two loaded handguns within the vehicle, raising serious questions about the intent behind this operation.

Federal prosecutors detailed that Nelson admitted to agreeing with others to move over $5,000 in stolen calculators. The total loss to Wal-Mart ultimately tallied $163,974.96, an amount Nelson has been ordered to fully reimburse through restitution. In addition to the 30-month prison term and $100 special assessment, Nelson will serve a three-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison. Forget parole – in the federal system, you serve the full sentence.

Nelson’s brother, Caleb Nelson, 29, also of Wichita, Kansas, has already pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy on January 21, 2014. His sentencing before Judge Reade is pending the completion of a pre-sentence report. Authorities are clearly aiming to send a message that interstate theft rings, even those involving seemingly low-value items, will be met with serious consequences.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Maquoketa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt prosecuted the case. Court file information, including case numbers 13-CR-1021 (Jacob Nelson) and 14-CR-1001 (Caleb Nelson), is publicly available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/.

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