The alleged activity occurred at four Home Depot locations in Pinellas County, including stores in Largo and Pinellas Park.
LARGO, Fla — A Pasco County man is facing felony charges after investigators said he carried out a scheme involving fraudulent merchandise returns at multiple Home Depot locations across Pinellas County.
According to arrest affidavits, James Charles Vinci, 60, of New Port Richey, was arrested by the Largo Police Department and charged with scheme to defraud and retail theft involving multiple locations.
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Investigators said Vinci used receipts that did not belong to him to return merchandise he had allegedly selected from stores without purchasing. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Vinci entering Home Depot stores empty-handed and later appearing with carts loaded with merchandise that was subsequently returned for store credit.
The alleged activity occurred at four Home Depot locations in Pinellas County, including stores in Largo and Pinellas Park. Authorities said Vinci completed 10 fraudulent return transactions, obtaining approximately $1,683.18 in store credit.
Police said surveillance video documented multiple incidents in which Vinci attempted returns using other customers’ receipts. In some cases, investigators alleged Vinci left the store with merchandise when return attempts were denied.
According to the affidavits, investigators identified Vinci through his vehicle and Florida driver’s license, which was used during some of the transactions. Authorities also credited FLOCK license plate reader technology with helping track and identify Vinci’s vehicle.