On 02/09/11, the Post Falls Police Department received information about a suspected organized shoplifting ring involving two or more suspects. The suspects targeted multiple Walmart stores in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. This report was initially given by Walmart loss prevention officers working the Walmart store located at 6405 W. Point Parkway, Post Falls.
The suspects in these cases would remove an item from a large box, packing smaller valuables into the emptied box concealing stolen merchandise inside. The suspects would then pay the cost of the larger boxed item, to receive the stolen property.
Suspects in this case were tracked by video surveillance inside and outside the stores. Loss prevention officers were able to determine the suspect’s vehicle was a motor home R.V. Photos of the suspects and the R.V. were circulated to area Walmart locations.
On 2/16/11 at 12:30 am, Post Falls Police officers responded to the Post Falls Walmart at 3050 W. Mullan Ave. Walmart loss prevention officers alerted the Police that a possible suspect in the recent thefts was currently in their store.
The suspect was seen by loss prevention officers concealing items into a large box as he moved around the store for over an hour. Officers contacted the suspect who was identified as 50 year-old Jerry Lee Drake Jr. from Yakima, Washington.
Officers inspected the box Mr. Drake had and discovered multiple concealed items hidden inside. Mr. Drake was arrested for burglary, possession of methamphetamine and carrying a concealed firearm found in his waist band.
During questioning, Mr. Drake admitted to being involved in multiple shoplifting episodes, working with a small group of people who would travel to western area Walmart stores for the purpose of shoplifting.
Detectives are attempting to locate Mr. Drake’s accomplices’.
If you have any information, questions or comments you may contact the Post Falls Police Department at (208)773-3517 or contact the Police Department through the web site @ www.postfallspolice.com
