A JLG Lift listed for sale at $17,000, despite assigned valued at $48,5000, was described as “too good to be true” by the Southeast Texas Auto Task Force.
The Auto Theft Task Force, working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted what the group coined as a “buy/bust” operation on July 9 that led to the recovery of a stolen piece of heavy equipment valued at $48,500 and the arrest of two suspects.
Investigators discovered that the two individuals were attempting to sell a 2020 JLG ET500J Lift that had been rented from a Home Depot in Slidell, Louisiana, but was overdue. According to authorities, the suspects transported the lift from Dallas to Jefferson County with plans to sell it for $17,000.
The operation took place near Love’s Truck Stop, 7495 Smith Rd., where the suspects were taken into custody without incident and the lift was recovered. Both individuals were arrested and booked on charges of theft and engaging in organized criminal activity.
The Southeast Texas Auto Theft Task Force is reminding anyone purchasing heavy equipment, trailers, or vehicles through online sources to use caution, especially when a deal appears to be “too good to be true.”
SETX Auto Task Force