Third Suspect Arrested in $90,000 Diaper Theft

SCITUATE, RI – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of about 2,000 boxes of diapers worth an estimated $90,000 earlier this month, according to Major Dennis Fleming, Detective Commander of the Rhode Island State Police.

Rodney Dalzon, 44, of 100 Wayne St., Providence, surrendered to Rhode Island State Police earlier today on a warrant charging him with larceny over $1,500; receiving stolen goods over $1,500; and conspiracy. He also was charged with violating the terms of probation from a prior conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon and other weapons charges. Dalzon was arraigned in Third District Court and was ordered held without bail, pending a violation hearing.

Previously arrested were Mitchell Bettis, also known as Aubrey Bettis, 59, of 198 River Avenue, Providence, charged with larceny over $1,500 and conspiracy, and Damon Martin, 41, of 200 Goldfinch Drive, Coventry, charged with larceny over $1,500, receiving stolen goods, conspiracy, soliciting another to commit a crime and obstructing a police officer. Bettis and Martin were arraigned in Third District Court last week and were released on personal recognizance.

Dalzon leased the storefront at 451 Smith St. Providence, where detectives from the RISP Major Crimes Unit recovered 800 boxes of diapers last Wednesday, the commander said. Detectives subsequently recovered an additional 600 boxes of diapers from a private home on Lawrence Street in Cranston last Thursday. Another 600 boxes of diapers remain missing.

The diapers, mostly Pampers in different sizes and styles, came in boxes of approximately 100 diapers each with an estimated value of about $40 per box.
Bettis had been hired as a truck driver to transport the 2,000 boxes of diapers from a location in Pennsylvania to an Amazon distribution facility in Fall River on February 9, the commander said. But he allegedly conspired with the other suspects to sell the diapers, instead.