Two Arrested in Gwinnett County Porch Piracy Scheme Involving Fake Amazon Vest

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a series of package thefts in the Duluth and Norcross areas, according to Gwinnett County Police.

Detectives began investigating in early March after receiving multiple reports of a suspect wearing a blue Amazon delivery vest stealing packages in unincorporated Duluth and Norcross. During the investigation, Gwinnett County Police worked with Duluth Police, who provided information about a possible suspect linked to similar thefts.

Authorities said detectives were able to identify two individuals working together and filed charges against both.

Lance Vance, 37, of Duluth, has been charged with felony porch piracy and possession of tools for the commission of a crime. Poalima Maheloma, 34, of Duluth, has been charged with theft by receiving.

Detectives executed a search warrant at a hotel room where the suspects were staying and recovered multiple stolen packages, along with clothing believed to have been used during the thefts.

Investigators said some of the recovered packages may belong to victims who never reported the thefts.

Police are asking anyone who had packages stolen between March 1 and March 26, particularly in the areas of Tree Corners Parkway or near Satellite Boulevard and Old Norcross Road, to contact Gwinnett County Police detectives at 770-513-5300.