6 Charged In $250K Meriden Lowe’s Theft Scheme; Police Say More Arrests Coming

By Josh Lanier From Daily Voice

Police say six people are facing charges after a major theft scheme inside a Meriden Lowe's Home Improvement store that cost the business more than $250,000.

Meriden police said two suspects were employees of the store and worked with the others to boost mostly appliances from the Meriden Lowe's Outlet Store for about a year. Lt. Darrin McKay said investigators expect to make “at least one more arrest" in the case. 

Lowe's loss prevention employees noticed the alleged scam and contacted police in July 2024, sparking a "long-term" investigation. Along with appliances, thieves also took cast and other products, police said. 

Det. Femia led the investigation, announcing the arrest of six people on Tuesday, Oct. 21. 

According to police, those arrested include:

• Jose Perez, 39, was charged with first-degree larceny and receiving a commercial bribe. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
• Izay Ortiz, 23, was charged with second-degree larceny. He was released on a promise to appear.
• Hector Mejia was charged with criminal attempt to commit third-degree larceny and commercial bribery. His case is sealed.
• Amardean Elsayed, 42, was charged with commercial bribery and fifth-degree larceny. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
• Luis Amaurys Rodriguez Pena was charged with commercial bribery. His case is sealed.
• Ruel Gordon, 47, was charged with commercial bribery. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.