Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agents today arrested Richard Michael Mullaney, 32, of Port Charlotte, on charges he stole thousands of audio books from Books-A-Million and re-sold the merchandise on eBay.
Mullaney was charged with one count of grand theft, a first-degree felony, and one count of dealing in stolen property, a second-degree felony.
The investigation began after a Books-A-Million investigator noticed a large number of new audio books being sold on eBay at prices below market value. The investigator determined the eBay username was owned by Mullaney. Following an interview with Mullaney, Books-A-Million contacted FDLE for assistance.
FDLE’s investigation revealed that according to eBay records, from Feb. 28, 2007 to July 13, 2008, the eBay account set up by Mullaney listed and sold more than 3,000 items, all of which appear to be book titles. Mullaney’s online sales totaled approximately $39,169. The market value of these items is approximately $116,387.
The case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Mullaney was booked into the Charlotte County Jail.

Source: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office