Media

One Man Arrested; 2000 Stolen DVDs and Electronic Games Recovered By Law Enforcement Task Force

Release Date: May 12, 2004

Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. announced today that detectives with the Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police, Bartlett Police and Germantown Police have arrested a man for operating a theft ring that targeted DVDs, compact discs, video tapes and electronic games.

“This clearly shows the importance of working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. Our detectives, as well as those from the other agencies, are to be commended for their efforts to solve this case,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Shelby County Sheriff’s detectives began documenting recent thefts of movies, compact discs and video games from department stores, drug stores and other retail establishments. Working with other law enforcement agencies and area retailers, a task force was formed to discuss possible leads.

Officers received a tip that a Shelby County man was paying people to steal the DVDs and other items so he could sell the stolen goods on the internet and at other area businesses.

This week, Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Pradeep Trivedi, 50, who lives in the 1100 block of Red Fern in East Shelby County. Officers found an array of stolen items at his home including:

• 1400 DVD movies
• 804 Compact Discs
• 28 Video Games
• 15 VHS Tapes

Investigators also confiscated Trivedi’s computer which a kept a record about where some of those stolen items were sent. Trivedi has been charged with Criminal Attempt of a Felony and Theft of Property over $60,000.

Sheriff’s detectives say the investigative team effort between the Sheriff’s Office and the other agencies is continuing and there may be more arrests.

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