UPS employee accused of stealing $10k worth of iPhones, watches, jewelry
On July 19, Ocala Police Officer Villasenor and Officer Rossi responded to a report of grand theft at UPS, located at 300 SW 28th Ave. The loss prevention officer had been investigating missing items from undelivered packages and discovered that an employee named Jose Flores Franco, 33, had been stealing items over a period of months and selling them on his wife’s Facebook page.
The loss prevention officer found several Apple iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and Pandora jewelry posted for sale on the Facebook Marketplace, and some of the serial numbers matched the missing iPhones from packages from the UPS location. The estimated value of all the stolen items was $11,900—including 48 packages of Pandora Jewelry valued at $4,800, 7 iPhones valued at $6,000, and 3 Apple Watches valued at $1,100.
After completing the initial investigation, Ofc. Villasenor, along with Det. Smith and Det. Rodriguez, went to Mr. Flores Franco’s residence to recover the stolen items. Det. Rodriguez found electronics in their original packaging. The recovered items included iPhones, Apple Watches, Galaxy Watches, and tablets, as well as numerous pieces of jewelry like bracelets, earrings, rings, and chains.
Evidence Officer McLean collected the recovered items and placed them into evidence. Mr. Flores Franco was charged with grand theft (more than $10k) and dealing in stolen property. He was transported to the Marion County Jail.
