Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Burglary/Pawn Unit 

Joseph Epling (Arrested)
DOB: 06/25/1975
Address: 40 Estuary Trail, Clearwater
Charges: two counts of felony retail theft, one count of scheme to defraud and one count of dealing in stolen property.

Target Stores (Victim)
Various locations in Pinellas County.

Walmart Supercenters (Victim)
Various locations in Pinellas County.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Burglary/Pawn Unit have arrested a suspect for schemes to defraud, two counts of felony retail theft and one count of dealing in stolen property (large screen televisions). Detectives seek the public’s help in identifying more potential victims.

When:
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

The investigation began in January 2017.

Where:
The investigation was conducted in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Burglary/Pawn Unit have arrested a suspect for scheme to defraud, two counts of felony retail theft and one count of dealing in stolen property (large screen televisions). Detectives seek the public’s help in identifying more potential victims.

According to detectives, their investigation began in January 2017, when two Pinellas County Target Stores notified deputies of a pattern involving fraudulent returns of store merchandise.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives identified the suspect 41-year-old Joseph Epling, had purchased several large screen televisions with cash, left the stores, removed the televisions from their original boxes, removed the serial number stickers, and placed them on damaged televisions. Epling then returned to the store with the damaged television in the original box within a few hours of the original purchase and received a full cash refund. Detectives say Epling sold the brand new large-screen televisions, via various online sales sites and social media sites.

Epling was arrested on March 21, 2017 and was booked into Pinellas County Jail. Detectives say it is probable there are more victims than those who have been identified and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying more victims.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Burglary/Pawn Unit Detective S. Heffner at 727-582-6948. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org

The investigation continues.

Photograph attached.