News Summary
Two painters from Charlotte, Darwin Alberto Corea Calderon and Francis Gissel Moreno Lopez, face federal charges for an alleged scheme stealing refunds from Home Depot. Operating under their painting business, Correa Painting, LLC, they reportedly exploited return policies across multiple locations from 2022 to 2025, securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unauthorized refunds. With legal proceedings underway, this case underscores tensions between retail operations and fraudulent practices in business.
Charlotte Painters in Hot Water Over Alleged Home Depot Scam
It seems things are heating up for two local painters in Charlotte, who are now facing serious *federal charges* related to a fraudulent scheme that involved stealing refunds from none other than Home Depot. On a recent Wednesday, Darwin Alberto Corea Calderon and Francis Gissel Moreno Lopez stepped into federal court to face the music, marking the beginning of a legal battle stemming from actions that reportedly took place between 2022 and 2025.
A Deep Dive into the Allegations
The investigators are alleging that this duo managed to wrangle in *hundreds of thousands of dollars* in refunds, all under the auspices of their painting business, Correa Painting, LLC. This business wasn’t just any typical operation; it had a *“Pro Account”* at Home Depot. This account not only allowed them to track their purchases but also net them some pretty sweet discounts.
So how did they pull off this elaborate scheme? It all started with legitimate purchases. First, Calderon would make a purchase at Home Depot using his debit card linked to their business account. But here’s where things take a turn—just a few days later, he would stroll back into a different Home Depot store with an empty cart, ready to put his plan into action.
The Return Desk Tango
Calderon would load that cart up with the same products he had bought days earlier. Meanwhile, Lopez would swoop in, grab the cart, and whisk it over to the return desk. This is where the magic—or better yet, the mischief—happened. By exploiting Home Depot’s tracking system, they managed to validate their return requests while securing refunds for items they never actually purchased!
This clever ruse didn’t just stop at one or two stores. Their fraudulent activities impacted an impressive range of Home Depot locations. From Charlotte to Cornelius, Gastonia to Kannapolis, and just about everywhere in between—including Matthews, Statesville, Rock Hill, and Spartanburg—this scheme ensured that a lot of stores felt the pinch.
The Fallout
Now, with federal charges hanging over their heads, Calderon and Lopez may face serious consequences if convicted. The case shines a light on the potential vulnerabilities in retail return policies that can be exploited when combined with a dash of creativity and a disregard for the law. It raises questions not just about individual accountability, but also about how stores can protect themselves against similar fraudulent schemes in the future.
The story of these painters serves as a lesson to both business owners and consumers alike. While it’s essential to take advantage of legitimate deals and discounts, there’s a fine line between smart shopping and downright dishonesty.
What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings unfold, we’re sure to learn more about how Calderon and Lopez crafted their scheme and what measures Home Depot might consider implementing to safeguard against such fraud. This incident serves as a reminder that crime doesn’t pay—especially in the world of retail, where those who try to deceive are often the first to face consequences.
Stay tuned as more information continues to emerge about this unfolding story. For now, it looks like these two painters will need to brush up on the law if they want to clear their names!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: Feds Charge Two Painters
- Home Depot: Rise of Organized Retail Crime
- Business North Carolina: Cost of Organized Retail Crime
- What’s Up Newport: Celtics Beat Hornets
- Google Search: Retail Fraud
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
