HARRIS COUNTY – A man has been arrested for stealing nearly $500,000 worth of backup generators from businesses across Texas.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen says James Eric Barnes, 46, used stolen credit card information to buy the generators, then sold them at lower prices on Facebook Marketplace.
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”He preyed on businesses that provide emergency supplies and on people trying to protect their homes and families when they face times of disaster,” Rosen said. “As our investigation continues, we anticipate more suspects will be charged.”
How did this happen?
Barnes allegedly used stolen credit card numbers he got off the internet to buy stationary generators that cost between $7,000 and $10,000 each. He purchased from companies in cities like Austin, Beaumont, Brookshire, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Investigators believe more than 30 companies lost over $470,000 worth of generators since 2023 and tried to take nearly $900,000, but some of the illegal transactions were caught in time and stopped.
Barnes allegedly sold about two generators every week for a year in and around Harris County, taking advantage of increased demand due to hurricanes and freezes that have caused major power outages.
When Precinct One deputies arrested him, they found 10 brand new generators still in their boxes inside a storage shed.
More stolen items and fake identities
Investigators say Barnes also used fake identities to illegally buy and resell rideable lawn mowers.
Authorities report he used multiple fake names, including John Hoover, Michael Martin, and Ronny Martin.
Barnes has been charged with engaging in organized crime, a first degree felony that could land him in prison for life.
What to do if you are a Barnes sale victim?
Officials are asking anyone who may have unknowingly bought stolen equipment from Barnes to contact Harris County Precinct 1 at 713-755-7628.
“Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, that is because it is too good to be true,” Rosen said. “Don’t help criminals stay in business.”
