PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two cousins who ran pawn shops in Philadelphia and Delaware are accused of selling nearly $20 million in stolen merchandise on eBay.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Larry Leonard, 60, and Nathaniel “Nat” Leonard, 68, both of Philadelphia, used their pawn shops to buy and sell large amounts of new, stolen, in-box merchandise supplied by two main groups of people who stole from stores around the country.
They say both groups would resale the products in bulk for cash from the cousins. The Leonards would then transfer stolen goods from their shops in Wilmington, Delaware, and Kensington to their South Philadelphia store, Society Hill Loan and put the items for sale on an eBay page under the shop's name.
Authorities say the two sold more than $19 million in stolen merchandise on the eBay page between November 2019 and December 2023.
The two are charged by indictment with conspiracy to transport and sell stolen goods. Larry is also charged with money laundering for using the proceeds to pay off more than $120,000 in credit card bills.
If convicted, Larry faces a maximum possible sentence of 45 years; Nathaniel faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years.