By Alabama Public Radio
Atlanta, GA – A federal judge in Atlanta sentenced three people to prison Tuesday for defrauding Home Depot and Lowe's stores in five states, including Alabama, out of more than $200,000. Federal Judge Richard Story sentenced Marcus Abercrombie of Atlanta to 20 months. He also sentenced David and Mindy Oliver of Hampton to almost four years and almost two years, respectively. The three are also now responsible for restitution to the two companies. The three pleaded guilty to fraud charges. In their scheme, they'd apparently take bar codes from cheaper items and stick them on high-end goods at home-improvement stores in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and North and South Carolina. Investigators say the three would return merchandise at other Home Depot and Lowe's stores for a refund at the actual price.