Don Howard - Staff Writer
Plymouth Township Police arrested four people last week
thought to be associated with an ongoing theft ring involving heavy duty
construction equipment.
Robert Lee Jones III, 26, of Detroit is facing a three count felony charge
after his arrest on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the Home Depot store located at 47725 Five Mile Road .
According to police reports, Jones is the alleged ringleader
of a confidence game perpetrated when he and his accomplices targeted the Plymouth Township
Jones was arraigned by video Friday before 35th District
Court Judge James Plakas and charged with failure to return rented property, a
five year felony, receiving and concealing-also a five year felony and using a
computer to commit a crime, a seven-year felony.
Of the four accomplices arrested, three were released to
other jurisdictions when police discovered they had standing warrants. A woman
was also charged but not yet arraigned. It was discovered Sloan was also wanted
on an outstanding warrant, according to police reports.
According to Det. Sgt. Bill Fetner, the group would submit a
credit card for identification at the time of the rental, then immediately sell
the equipment and when the store attempted to charge the card for the value of
the non-returned goods, the account used would be closed.
Cash or surety bond
for Jones was set at $10,000. Jones was remanded to the Wayne County Jail where
he remained in custody. A court appointed attorney entered a not guilty plea
during his arraignment and a show cause hearing is set for Sept. 20 before
Judge Michael Gerou at the 35th District Court.
