Watch CBS News

NJ Man Sentenced For His Role In Pa. Retail Theft Ring

By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A New Jersey man who Montgomery County prosecutors say was the brains behind a sophisticated retail theft ring that preyed on Target stores in 11 counties in Pennsylvania (see related story) is headed to state prison.

A Montgomery County judge sentenced Damian Gasdaska to 15 months to four years behind bars in connection with the operation that resulted in more than $24,000 worth of merchandise being stolen. Prosecutors say Gasdaska and his co-defendants would use homemade UPC labels to purchase items for less than their value then sell those items on eBay.

Defense attorney Michael Quinn was hoping for a county sentence and work release so the 36-year-old man could support his family.

"We knew he was going to go to jail...it was just a question of was where...we're both very disappointed that he's going to go upstate...that seems to be a little excessive relative to his behavior...cause he made full restitution and he plead guilty and he cooperated with law enforcement," Quinn said.

He plans to file a motion to reconsider the sentence.

Prosecutors say the ring generated more than $170,000 from the stolen goods. They also used false and stolen identities to cover up their crimes.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.