3 arrested in connection with Anderson Co. organized retail thefts, retailers lost millions

Three people who allegedly purchased stolen merchandise and resold it at flea markets were arrested this week, according to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. 

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Investigators worked since June to identify shoplifters who stole large amounts of merchandise from retail stores in Anderson. The shoplifters would sell stolen merchandise for a fraction of its retail value to others, referred to as fences. These people would then resell the stolen merchandise at flea markets for a profit, according to a press release form the Sheriff's Office. 

Troy Fowler, 75, of Piedmont; William "Billy" O'Leary, 44, of Anderson; and Peggy O'Leary, 41, of Anderson were identified by deputies as suspected fences, arrested and charged with organized retail theft.

Search warrants were executed at the suspects' properties where an estimated $121,997 of stolen merchandise was recovered. Detectives also found a four-wheeler that had been reported stolen from Abbeville County. 

Retailers suffered a combined total loss of $9-12 million over a five-year period as a result of the suspects' involvement in the illegal operation, according to a press release. 

The arrests were made as a part of "Operation Turning Tables" that included investigators from the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, Home Depot, CVS, T.J. Maxx, Belk and Publix.