ASHEVILLE – Two suspects pleaded guilty in Buncombe County Superior Court to participating in an organized theft ring out of Denny’s Jewelry and Pawn in Arden, from which the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office recovered an estimated cost in items “significantly exceeding” $150,000 .
By Oct. 18, 2022, the sheriff’s office had charged 14 people with a Class G felony of organized retail theft, after a weekslong investigation, according to the department. Those charged included two owners of the shop, Robert Dennis Lewis Sr. and Robert Dennis Lewis Jr., and two employees, Tammy Gates and Kenneth Gates.
In connection to the ring, Gabriel Lockridge pleaded guilty Jan. 22 to organized retail theft and attempted felony breaking or entering, the sheriff’s office announced Jan. 31. As part of his plea agreement, Lockridge will serve a combined sentence of 30 to 54 months followed by 60 months of supervised probation, according to the clerk’s office.
Initial reporting: Sheriff: Over $150,000 theft operation includes items from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target