Hickory Business Owner Charged By Federal Authorities

The owner of a Hickory gold store is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to sell stolen retail merchandise.

Federal prosecutors say 65-year-old Marty Christopher McDaniel of Hickory and 44-year-old Kenny Price of Conover were indicted on one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property. According to the indictment, the pair allegedly operated as fences from 2020 through 2024, purchasing stolen merchandise from shoplifters and reselling the items through The Gold King and online marketplaces, including eBay, Mercari, and Whatnot.

Prosecutors allege the stolen products came from major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, and Best Buy. Authorities say the defendants earned more than $580,000 from sales to customers across the United States and several foreign countries.

McDaniel made his initial appearance in federal court on Tuesday. If convicted, both men face up to five years in prison. The FBI and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Federal officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Story: Rob Eastwood-WHKY