East Haven, CT – A man has been arrested in connection with a series of organized retail thefts at a Home Depot store in East Haven. Authorities say Stacey M. Grier, 51, of Hamden, conspired with a store employee to repeatedly steal high-value merchandise by avoiding full payment.
According to East Haven Police Capt. Joseph Murgo, Grier was taken into custody last Friday by Connecticut State Police and then transferred to East Haven Police. He faces charges of third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny.
Police say Grier visited the Home Depot at 75 Frontage Road at least 15 times, always going to the same register. Surveillance video and transaction records allegedly show he was undercharged or allowed to leave with items that were not properly scanned. In return, Grier reportedly paid off the cooperating employee.
The store’s Asset Protection team uncovered the suspicious activity, which led to a police investigation. The total estimated loss from the scheme exceeds $7,000.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are examining whether Grier is connected to similar thefts at other Home Depot locations in Connecticut.
