Downriver man accused of selling $70K+ of equipment rented from store for $23K

ECORSE, Mich. – A 33-year-old man from Ecorse is facing multiple felonies after reportedly selling several pieces of Home Depot rental equipment.

According to authorities, Jonathan Allen rented several pieces of heavy equipment from Home Depot stores in Taylor, Utica and Farmington Hills and rather than return them, sold them to a man from Harrison in 2023. Allen reportedly told the man the equipment belonged to a relative of his who had recently died.

Authorities estimate he sold more than $70,000 worth of equipment for $23,000. All stolen equipment has been recovered.

Allen was charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and three counts of false pretenses -- $20,000 or more, but less than $50,000.