COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – A Naples couple, Richard and Gail Murtaugh, both in their 70s, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for allegedly operating a shoplifting and reselling operation through their eBay store.
According to the plea agreement, the Murtaughs stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from various retailers in Collier and Lee Counties between 2020 and 2022. Items ranged from personal hygiene products to drill bits. They then sold these stolen goods on their eBay store, “dickandgail,” earning over $175,000 in profit.
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In April 2022, a search warrant was executed at their Naples home, where authorities found a stockpile of stolen merchandise matching items seen in surveillance footage from the stores. The couple’s iPads also contained photos used in eBay listings for the stolen goods.
The Murtaughs now face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and have agreed to forfeit their illegal earnings. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney.
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