Hickory Gold Store Owner, Conover Man Indicted in Alleged Stolen Retail Goods Scheme

A Hickory business owner and a Conover man are facing federal charges after prosecutors say they conspired to buy and resell stolen retail merchandise through a local gold store and online marketplaces.

A federal grand jury in Charlotte has indicted 65-year-old Marty Christopher McDaniel, owner of The Gold King in Hickory, and 44-year-old Kenny Price of Conover on one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines.

According to the indictment, between 2020 and 2024, McDaniel and Price allegedly purchased stolen merchandise from shoplifters, commonly known as "boosters," knowing the items had been stolen. Prosecutors say the pair paid only a fraction of the retail value before reselling the merchandise online.

Federal authorities allege the stolen products came from major retailers including Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Best Buy, and other national chains. The items were reportedly sold through online storefronts on eBay, Mercari, and Whatnot to customers across the United States and in several foreign countries.

Investigators say the alleged scheme generated more than $580,000 in sales.

McDaniel made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday. If convicted, both McDaniel and Price face up to five years in federal prison, though any sentence will be determined by a federal judge.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Federal prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.