Athens man accused in massive shoplifting case
CLARKE COUNTY, Ga. - Authorities have charged a Clarke County man in what they call a massive shoplifting case.
Police shared a surveillance video from a local Academy Sports that they say shows Joshua Martin leaving the store with a huge plastic bag of stolen goods.
According to investigators, the 32-year-old Martin never runs, always walks out, and has been doing shoplifting crimes for almost a year.
Authorities say he also hit a Kohls on Aug. 18.
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Deputies raided his apartment, where they say they found hundreds of stolen hats, shoes, and pieces of sportswear.
In total, officials estimate he may have had over $70,000 worth of stolen merchandise from the alleged statewide shoplifting spree.
When deputies went to arrest Martin Tuesday, they say he barricaded himself in his apartment for about a half-hour. They eventually were able to go in and arrest him.
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Martin has been charged with two counts of felony shoplifting. More charges are expected in the upcoming days.
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