Somerset County, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police arrested Steven Ranke, a New Jersey resident, for his alleged involvement in a large retail theft ring spanning multiple states.
According to Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar, Ranke was taken into custody after fleeing from authorities at a Walmart in Somerset County. He is accused of being a key player in a theft ring that has targeted 24 stores across several states, resulting in over $16,000 in losses over the past 60 days.
During his arrest, authorities found more than $300 in counterfeit money on Ranke. He is currently being held in the Somerset County Jail on a $200,000 bond as investigations continue into the widespread theft operation.