July 12, 2024
OMAHA, Ark. — On Monday, July 7, 2024, around 6:15 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) stopped a silver 2017 Ford pickup on U.S. Highway 65 near Tower Road in Boone County for a traffic violation.
During a vehicle search, ASP Troopers discovered 22 unopened garage door openers in the truck bed and rear floorboard. Each opener retails from around $200. The vehicle’s occupants, identified as Terry White, 52, of Pasadena, Texas, and Robert Diaz, 34, of Spring, Texas, could not provide receipts or proof of purchase for the openers.
The shipping labels indicated they had originated from a Lowe’s store in Bentonville. Further investigation revealed evidence that the men may have been involved in a multi-state barcode swapping scheme.
White had multiple active warrants for retail theft in Alabama, Florida, and Kentucky. Troopers transported both men to the Boone County Detention Center, where they were charged with Felony Theft by Receiving.
Special Agents with ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division collected evidence tying the men to items stolen from multiple states, valued at more than $160,000.