An Alexandria man was arrested earlier this year after allegedly attempting to steal more than $40,000 worth of construction equipment from a construction company in the 3600 block of Wheeler Avenue.
The president of the company gave police three recordings in February from one of his former employees, Jose Melendez, who allegedly pretended to be an employee of his company by ordering 1o Rigid brand power tools from the supply company, which are valued at $3,300 apiece.
Melendez, 51, was extradited from Prince George’s County and arrested for identity fraud on Feb. 24, and he was released from Alexandria Jail on March 26. His court date has been pushed back a number of times due to the backlog in the court system. He is set to appear in the Alexandria courthouse on Aug. 18 for charges of identity theft to obtain more than $500 worth of goods.
Melendez admitted to police that he attempted to steal the equipment, and, in fact, stole a lot more equipment than that by using the false name. He told police that he would then pick up the equipment from various businesses throughout the region and then drop them off at a storage unit in the city.
Melendez told police that he and one of the storage unit owners would post the equipment on the OfferUp online marketplace.
The owners of the storage unit have not yet been charged, although a police search of the owner’s apartment in the 4700 block of Kenmore Avenue found that every room, with the exception of the bathroom, was filled with “construction equipment ranging in size from small cordless drills and drivers to generators and jackhammers,” according to a search warrant.
Staff photo by James Cullum
Recent Stories
While it’s been a busy week in Alexandria, what’s likely the biggest story of the week dropped this afternoon as WMATA announced that the Potomac Yard Metro station has been…
(Updated 2:15 p.m.) The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced that the Potomac Yard Metro station’s opening will be delayed yet again. WMATA said in a statement that the…
Open Houses includes a 3 BD/2.5 BA home with a wood burning fireplace, built-in bookcases and heart pine wood floors.
A 2 BD/3 BA brick townhome with 4 levels, wood burning fireplace and private patio is included in Just Listed.
Are you tired of going to the gym? It might be the crowds, the locker room, waiting on equipment or the time it takes to commute to the gym.
Having a personal trainer come to your home will keep you accountable, save you time and allow you to workout in the comfort of your own home.
Skip the hassle of the gym and try our in-home personal training service.
Our services are reasonably priced, convenient, effective and are risk free.
At Nova Fencing Club, the beginner fencing classes are designed for students of all levels – including students who have never fenced before.
If you’re looking for a fun physical activity that improves your fitness, critical thinking and rapid decision making skills then come join us!
There’s no better time than now to give us a try – and take part in one of the fastest growing sports. Our highly educated, professional coaching staff includes Virginia’s only Maitre d’Armes, a member of USA Fencing’s coaching team, former members of the USA National Team, and our Head Coach, who has produced national champions.
Register for either our Youth Beginner Fencing Classes (7-12) or our Teen & Adult Beginner Fencing Classes (13 to Adult) and become a part of the club that champions call home.
Think BIG! About the Future of Movement
Join the City of Alexandria and Arlington County’s Initiative to Rethink Energy at our first ever electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable technologies showcase! Get inspired by seeing a variety of electric cars, scooters, bikes, motorcycles, police cars, buses, trucks and
Between Home and the Front: Book Talk and Signing
Join the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum on Zoom or in person at the museum for a special book talk with the curators behind Between Home and the Front: Civil War Letters of the Walters Family. A book signing will be
