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Two area businessmen charged with dealing in stolen goods

By Staff | Sep 27, 2008

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has charged two men with dealing in stolen property through the efforts of an undercover operation dubbed “Iron Fist.”

Marcus Rains, 46, of Cape Coral was charged with two counts of dealing in stolen property and one count of conspiracy to deal in stolen property using his Cape Coral business Precious Metals, located at 1719 N.E. 10th Terrace.

According to deputies, Rains agreed to “get rid of” copper tubing, insulated copper wiring, catalytic converters and street and stop signs undercover deputies told him were stolen.

Rains told deputies he would mix the “stolen” goods in with other property, and that he sends some of the metal he acquires to Tampa.

Scott Ross, 51, owner of Tiger Mufflers at 120 Pondella Road in North Fort Myers, also was charged with dealing in stolen property as part of the undercover operation. Deputies said he knowingly purchased more than $7,000 worth of stolen catalytic converters last year.

Ross also was charged in August with two counts of dealing in stolen property and was released on bond, according to booking records.