A former Brevard County Commission candidate and her husband are now behind bars -- charged with racketeering, money laundering and dealing in stolen property.

Part of an organized, statewide theft ring centered in the couple's West Melbourne ice cream shop.

59 year old James McDermott and his wife 50 year old Lisa McDermott were just arrested at their home Thursday morning.

Investigators say James McDermott was the ringleader in this elaborate theft ring -- where back in April of 2013, they received several complaints from local stores reporting large amounts of stolen health products.

"Most of the things they were taken were like Rogaine, Crest White Strips and a weight loss type supplement, most of it in boxes, easy to take, resell and ship," says Major Tod Goodyear with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators learned the merchandise was being brought to the Ice Cream Depot, owned by the McDermotts.

They set up surveillance, and spotted suspects coming into the business with large bags of stolen items, then leave empty handed.

Investigators say the products were sold on Ebay or by using PayPal -- financial records show the McDermotts received around $111,000 from the sale of health products via PayPal between November 2012 and June 2014.

Investigators also say Lisa McDermott opened a campaign account during that time. They say some of the cash was used for her campaign, although just how much is still being looked into.

News 13 was there in early June when investigators raided the shop looking for evidence.

They seized health products and computers.

On June 6, just days after the raid we sat down with the couple -- who denied being involved in the scheme.

"They were trying to get me to say I ran these guys. I don't run nobody," James McDermott told us.

"I'm not responsible for my husband's actions," said Lisa McDermott.

Lisa McDermott was a candidate for county commission district four -- but withdrew shortly after the raid.

Meantime investigators say four others were involved in the operation -- 60-year-old Thierry Lettiere is already in jail on retail theft charges -- three others are accused of participating in the crimes.

Only 55-year-old Susan Lovell is still being sought.

The McDermotts are being held on a $65,000 bond and are scheduled for a court appearance tomorrow.

We requested a jailhouse interview -- but the request was denied.