Florida Pastor Used Fake Addiction Ministry to Run Million Home Depot Theft Ring, Now Faces 150 Years

Florida Pastor Robert Dell and Wife Jaclyn Convicted of Running Multimillion Dollar Home Depot Theft Ring Through Fake Addiction Recovery Center

Robert Dell, a former pastor of The Rock Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, and his wife Jaclyn Dell have been convicted of orchestrating a massive retail theft ring that used a faith based addiction recovery center as a front for their criminal enterprise.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the convictions on February 16, 2026, following a two week jury trial. Robert Dell was found guilty of racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to commit RICO, dealing in stolen property, and two counts of money laundering. Jaclyn Dell was convicted of conspiracy to commit RICO.

The scheme operated through Rock Solid Recovery, a supposed faith based addiction recovery center directed by Robert Dell. Under the guise of helping people overcome drug addiction, the Dells coordinated a sprawling theft operation targeting Home Depot stores across seven Florida counties: Citrus, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota.

Co conspirators Daniel Mace and Jessica Wild were stealing power tools, including Milwaukee and DeWalt branded products, from Home Depot locations five to six times daily. The stolen merchandise was delivered nightly to the Dells' residence and then sold online through an eBay store called "Anointed Liquidator."

These fraudsters hid their true motives behind faith and charity to launder proceeds from a large scale criminal enterprise.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier

The scheme generated over $2 million in illegal proceeds between 2015 and 2023, though Home Depot suspects the operation ran for more than a decade with total losses exceeding $5 million. Robert Dell allegedly used threats of abuse to demand crimes from co conspirators, exploiting his position as a purported pastor and recovery center director to manipulate vulnerable individuals.

Robert Dell now faces up to 150 years in prison. Jaclyn Dell faces up to 30 years.

Pastor and Wife Face Decades in Prison After Using Church Ministry to Hide Multimillion Dollar Retail Theft Operation

The Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution, working with the FORCE (Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange) Taskforce, secured the convictions after charging Dell and his accomplices in 2023. The case exposed how Dell exploited vulnerable people in addiction recovery, using them as pawns in his criminal operation while presenting himself as a man of faith dedicated to helping the broken.

The Crusader's Opinion

This man is a wolf in shepherd's clothing, and his conviction is justice long overdue. Robert Dell did not just steal power tools. He stole the credibility of every genuine pastor and every legitimate addiction recovery ministry that actually saves lives. He weaponized the name of Christ to exploit the most vulnerable people in our society, those battling addiction, and used them as foot soldiers in a criminal empire.

There is a special kind of evil in hiding behind the cross to commit crime. Scripture warns us plainly: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Dell is living proof. Let his conviction be a reminder that God will not be mocked, and neither will the justice system. 150 years is exactly what a man who perverts the Gospel for profit deserves to face.

Take Action

• If you suspect a church or ministry is being used as a front for criminal activity, report it to your state's Attorney General office or local law enforcement immediately.
• Support legitimate addiction recovery ministries in your area. Volunteer your time or resources to programs like Celebrate Recovery or Teen Challenge.
• Hold your church leadership accountable. Ask questions about financial transparency and organizational governance. A faithful church welcomes accountability.
• Pray for the victims of this scheme, both Home Depot employees affected by the theft and the vulnerable individuals exploited by Dell's fake ministry.
• Support organizations that protect Christians and promote integrity in ministry: The Shepherd's Shield and ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).