Police Arrested Pair in Ceiling Fan Theft Ring
Authorities recovered over 100 stolen fans after an investigation into a retail theft operation in Phoenix.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Property Crime
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Police in Phoenix have arrested two individuals involved in a scheme to steal and resell $34,000 worth of ceiling fans. The suspects allegedly used fake receipts to acquire the items from Home Depot stores.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights how retail theft rings utilize online marketplaces to quickly monetize stolen goods. Authorities are now processing the recovered property as the legal case proceeds.
Police recovered more than 100 ceiling fans from the residence of Yohan Matos Reyes. Cleveland Seaborn, who allegedly committed the thefts, was apprehended while already wanted on an out-of-state warrant.
The players
Cleveland Seaborn
Cleveland Seaborn is the primary suspect accused of using fake receipts to steal merchandise and had been on the run for eight years.
Yohan Matos Reyes
Yohan Matos Reyes is the individual accused of purchasing and reselling stolen fans through online marketplaces.
The details
Cleveland Seaborn allegedly stole the fans using fake receipts before selling them to Yohan Matos Reyes for $100 each. Reyes then resold the merchandise on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for approximately $180 per fan.
Timeline
The theft of ceiling fans began in July 2026.
The most recent reported theft occurred in October 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by organized retail crime trends where thieves leverage online marketplaces to fence stolen goods. Similar operations are increasingly targeted by law enforcement agencies tracking inventory loss patterns.
The recovery of goods highlights the prevalence of retail theft that can drive up prices for local consumers. Residents should be cautious when purchasing significantly discounted items from unverified online sellers.
The takeaway
Consumers should be wary of prices that seem too good to be true on online marketplaces, as these items may be linked to criminal activity. Verify the source of high-value goods before completing a transaction to avoid supporting illicit fencing operations.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement efforts, see Property Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKRC.
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