Mt. Juliet, Tenn. — Two Nashville men were arrested tonight after a shoplifting investigation led officers to stolen merchandise, suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Officers were monitoring activity at Academy Sports when they observed two men enter and later determined both had concealed merchandise without paying.
The men had entered carrying large empty bags, and officers worked with store management as suspicious activity developed inside the store.
One man, a 44-year-old from Nashville, was found with stolen merchandise and was also identified as the subject of a Nashville Be on the Lookout bulletin related to five unsolved Home Depot theft cases.
The second man, a 29-year-old from Nashville, was found with additional stolen merchandise along with suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Together, the two stole more than $200 in merchandise, all of which was recovered and returned to the store.
The investigation continued at their vehicle, where drugs and drug paraphernalia were visible. A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of additional suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
The 44-year-old Nashville man was charged with shoplifting, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His information was also forwarded to Nashville investigators regarding the other theft cases.
The 29-year-old Nashville man was charged with shoplifting and possession offenses involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Officers also learned the two had allegedly been inside the same store the previous night, when additional merchandise was stolen. That investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be sought once those thefts are confirmed.
Keeping Mt. Juliet safe is a team effort. It takes vigilant officers, engaged businesses, strong partnerships, and a community that looks out for one another and supports the work being done every day. We are grateful for that trust and cooperation, and we never take for granted the important role our residents and businesses play in helping keep this community safe.
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