Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced a 41-count indictment involving a dozen people who allegedly infiltrated New York and 27 other states across the country to steal electronics and other items to be resold online.
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Operation Sticky Fingers reportedly netted 5,300 stolen items and millions of dollars across more than half the country, and in all, 12 people are under arrest, accused of raking in $12 million.
The suspects are identified as:
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1. 64-year-old Richard Rimbaugh, AKA "The General"
2. 62-year-old George Athanasatos, AKA "The Field Marshall"
3. 31-year-old George Rapatsouleas, AKA "Skipper," AKA "Nipplehead"
4. 35-year-old Krissylee Harris, AKA "Princess"
5. 23-year-old Nusret Srdanovic, AKA "Monte"
6. 53-year-old Roger Ringhiser, AKA "Captain Rog"
7. 59-year-old Frank Albergo
8. 22-year-old Kevin Cerrato
9. 38-year-old Gregory Anastasiou, AKA "Captain Frank"
10. 41-year-old Joseph Pooler, AKA "Baby Arm Johnson"
11. 56-year-old Robert Scarano, AKA "Reno"
12. 28-year-old Giovanna Bonello
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Rimbaugh was the alleged mastermind of the operation, which authorities say used code words like "boosters," "bazookas" and "kryptonite" and was run out of his first-floor apartment on West 112th Street in Morningside Heights.
Schneiderman said the takedown was the result of a nearly year-long investigation. The suspects are accused of targeting stores like Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy and other retailers, wearing custom-made high-capacity vests that deactivated security alarms.
Step two of the alleged operation involved Rimbaugh selling the stolen merchandise online under a fake business called American Media Soft. Since 2012, officials say this ring sold more than $12 million worth of stolen goods on Amazon and eBay .
In addition to electronics, officials say the suspects stole and resold flea collars. They're facing enterprise corruption and other charges, and if convicted, each defendant faces between 8 and 25 years in prison.