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Deputies Recover Stolen Merchandise, Checkbooks, and Drugs At South Memphis House

Release Date: March 15, 2006

Sheriff’s detectives with the A.L.E.R.T Squad (Area Law Enforcement Retailers Team) have arrested a Memphis man for possessing stolen driver licenses, checks, tools and heroin at his home. The Sheriff’s A.L.E.R.T. Squad investigates complaints of retail theft, shoplifting, forgery and counterfeiting.

Deputies raided the house in the 1400 block of Cummings Street near Interstate 240 and South Parkway this past Saturday night, March 11th. They arrested Maurice Johnson, 54, who lives there.

Investigators found items that have been linked to as many as 15 thefts which occurred recently in Memphis, Collierville and Shelby County. Some of the items, which included a Sony DVD player, speakers, a paint sprayer and air compressor, were still in their original boxes. Officers also found a pistol and several capsules of heroin.

For the past several days deputies have been cataloging the merchandise trying to link them with their owners. Investigators say the stolen goods were all taken during home and vehicle burglaries.

Burglary victims are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (901) 545-5600 to see if any of the property recovered might belong to them.

Maurice Johnson has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Theft of Property over $500.00 and Possession of a Controlled Substance With the Intent to Sell, Distribute or Manufacture. His picture is being sent with this news release in a separate E-mail file.

The investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.

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