POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A major retail theft operation spanning 14 states and 39 counties in Florida has been broken up by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Grady Judd and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody detailed the investigation Friday and identity of several suspects.

According to Judd, the organized operation had been going on in Florida and a dozen other states since at least 2014.

 Authorities said the suspects would buy large, expensive televisions from Walmart, then would replace them with refurbished TVs.

Later, the suspects would go back to Walmart to return the box with the old TV and get their money back.

In the end, they had their cash and brand new TVs

But last year, a loss prevention specialist in Auburndale felt like something wasn’t right. That led to the investigation that busted the $3.5-million operation wide open.

 “They moved all over the state of Florida and up the eastern seaboard,” Judd said. “So that they did not wear out their welcome and make it easy to detect them.”

Moody said organized theft rings like this one ultimately cost consumers because merchandise prices end up being raised.

“What’s important to remember when you’re looking at large scale organized retail operations and schemes, is that ultimately, those thefts, those damages are passed on consumers,” Moody said.

Two men, Chanthan Khouleanghak and Jorge Ortiz, have been arrested. Judd said the suspects had a van loaded with televisions when they were apprehended.

Other suspects, Jacorri Holland and Michelle Walker are being sought.

All of the suspects are from Georgia.

Judd said detectives are trying to identify any more potential suspects.