Lansing man accused of running shoplifting ring charged

A Lansing man accused of operating a shoplifting ring that targeted Home Depot stores has been charged, officials said.

Eric Tanner, 38, was arraigned Wednesday in 56A District Court in Charlotte with eight counts of organized retail crime and a count of conducting a criminal enterprise, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office said.

A judge set Tanner's bond at $10,000 and scheduled his next court appearance for April 8, according to court records.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years for each count of organized retail crime and up to 20 years in prison for conducting a criminal enterprise.

Tanner's lawyer with the Eaton County Public Defender's Office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Authorities allege Tanner operated an organized shoplifting ring that targeted Lansing-area home improvement stores between May 2023 and January 2024.

Under the scheme, state officials said, he employed acquaintances who were dependent on drugs to steal merchandise from the stores.

His operatives usually took power tools and vacuums from Home Depot stores in Lansing, Jackson and Okemos as well as a Lowe's store and a Kroger store in Lansing.

Officials said Tanner later sold the stolen merchandise through Facebook.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez