Stolen Goods Ring Lands Three More in Federal Prison

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL – The gears of justice continue to grind for a sprawling stolen property ring that bled retailers across the Midwest. United States Attorney Donald S. Boyce announced this week that three more men are headed to federal prison for their roles in the operation, which funneled stolen goods and illicit profits south of the border.

Shannan M. Flora, 42, of O’Fallon, MO, and Rigoberto Gutierrez, 28, of Compton, CA, each received 15-month sentences after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an October 20, 2015, federal grand jury indictment. Yesterday, Russell J. Witt, 34, of Mount Clemens, MI, was handed a 12-month prison term. The indictment details how the ringleader, Jason J. Parmeley, 42, formerly of O’Fallon, MO, orchestrated a scheme using stolen credit account numbers from major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and SunBelt Rentals.

According to court documents, Parmeley, operating from Mexico, used the compromised accounts to order appliances, computers, tools, and construction equipment. He then dispatched drivers to collect the goods, which were sold at deeply discounted prices. The profits weren’t staying local; they were wire transferred to Parmeley in Mexico. The charges against the men include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to transport property obtained by fraud in interstate commerce, wire fraud, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, possession of property obtained by fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft – a laundry list of felonies.

The extent of each man’s involvement varied. Flora, the court found, was a key cog in the machine over three years, handling purchases, storage, brokering sales, recruiting drivers, even intimidating those who tried to skim from the operation. Gutierrez admitted to receiving, storing, and selling stolen merchandise for two years, also funneling money to Parmeley. Witt, a driver, spent a year hauling the stolen goods. These sentences follow those of James D. Litchfield, 59, owner of Big Jim’s Autorama in Madison, IL, sentenced to 3 years, and his brother, Ryan P. Litchfield, 37, of O’Fallon, MO, who received a 1-year sentence, both admitting to receiving large quantities of stolen property. Nicholas A. Brockman, 20, of Wentzville, MO, and Benedict G. Pellerito, 56, of Troy, MO, received probation for their roles as drivers.

The net is tightening. Late August saw Mexican Immigration Authorities deport Parmeley, who is now in federal custody awaiting trial. The trial of Parmeley, along with Angel Speed, 25, formerly of O’Fallon, MO; Steven J. Belcher, 44, of Wentzville, MO; and Jesse S. Urias, 36, of Los Angeles, CA, is scheduled to begin November 21, 2016. This case highlights the reach of organized crime and the sophisticated methods used to exploit businesses and consumers.

The investigation was spearheaded by agents from the St. Louis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with significant assistance from numerous state and local police departments. The FBI’s ongoing work in the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force and beyond demonstrates a commitment to dismantling these criminal enterprises and bringing those responsible to justice. This isn’t just about stolen appliances; it’s about a calculated scheme to defraud and profit from illegal activity.”

RELATED: Link Card Kingpin Gets 4+ Years in $1.5M SNAP Scam

RELATED: Zelle Fraud: NY AG Sues Bank-Backed Platform