Five arrests in plastic theft ring
By: Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer
November 13, 2009
Five D.C. area residents were indicted Thursday in Prince George's County for allegedly stealing tons of reusable containers and plastic pallets from area companies, which were then sold to recyclers at a per-pound price.
Court documents indicate that the five individuals stole more than $130,000 worth of plastic shells and trays belonging to Coca-Cola, H&S Bakery, Pepsi-Cola, CVS Pharmacy and Cloverland Dairy, among others. Three of the defendants were charged with the bulk theft of plastics from retail and industrial businesses, while the other two are accused of participating in a "recycling pipeline of the stolen goods to foreign countries," according to a news release.
Indicted for theft of returnable plastic containers: James Edward Lipson, 27, of D.C.; Yvonne Lipson, 27, of Landover; Peter Amaefule, 48, of Fort Washington; Ofer Tsauch, 44, of Hyattsville; and Myron Nelson, 42, of Leonardtown, Md.
Plastic pallet theft has evolved into a major crime "fueled by increased demand for plastic in Asia and China," said State's Attorney Glenn Ivey. Four businesses in Maryland and Virginia sustained losses exceeding $6 million in 2008 alone.
-- Michael Neibauer
