FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DURHAM, NC (Saturday, February, 21,2026) —The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Anti-Crime and Narcotics Unit (SAC/Narc), in coordination with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), has concluded an eight-month multi-state investigation into a sophisticated retail theft ring.

On Saturday, February 21, investigators from the DCSO and the SBI served arrest warrants on two individuals suspected of stealing items from various retailers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Following the arrests, a search warrant was executed at a residence on the800 block of Liberty Street in Durham.

Inside the home, authorities recovered a massive cache of stolen goods, including power tools, televisions, electronics, small appliances, and household products. The items originated from major retailers including Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, and Walmart.

The following individuals have been charged:

Jefferson Dinartes-Chavez, 21

• Felony Larceny
• Possession of Stolen Goods/Property
• Felony Conspiracy
• Breaking and/or Entering
• Fugitive Order

Edenillson Dinartes-Chavez, 19

• Felony Larceny
• Possession of Stolen Goods/Property
• Felony Conspiracy
• Breaking and/or Entering
• Fugitive Order

"Organized retail crime isn't just a headache for store owners; it drives up costs for every consumer and often fuels further criminal activity in our neighborhoods," saidDurham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead. "This successful operation shows the power of public-private partnerships and the relentless dedication of our investigators."

The suspects are currently being held at the Durham County Detention Center. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scale of the theft ring’s impact across the region.

Jefferson Dinartes-Chavez