CONCORD – James Falk, 38, of Preston, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen goods, U.S. Attorney Scott Murray said.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately April 2018 to December 2018, Falk conspired with other persons to steal high-value items from large retail stores throughout New England and send the items to a person associated with an online marketplace for eventual sales to online customers.

To carry out the conspiracy, Falk and another individual entered large retail stores, chose high-value items (such as thermostats, alarm systems, electronics, hardware, and tools), and left the stores without paying for all of the items. To steal goods inside the stores, Falk and another individual hid stolen goods in larger boxes and containers. In addition, Falk and another individual used containers that caused radio frequency interference in an attempt to defeat the stores’ security alarm sensors. Falk and another individual shipped stolen goods to an address in Maplewood, New Jersey, for eventual sale to online consumers. Falk and another individual later received payments for the stolen items.

Falk was arrested by the New Hampshire State Police on Sept. 13 in Keene, in possession of stolen goods worth more than $5,000. In total, the victim stores lost approximately $54,000 as a result of the scheme.

Falk is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 13.

“Interstate theft and fraud are serious crimes,” Murray said. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect businesses and consumers in the Granite State from such wrongdoing.”