(WNY News Now) – A Lehigh County man faces multiple charges after allegedly using stolen credit cards to fraudulently purchase nearly $100,000 in merchandise from Lowe’s stores across Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the charges against Alex Jose Rulan, 33, of Allentown, who is accused of engaging in organized retail theft, identity theft, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. Rulan remains in Montgomery County Jail on previously filed charges.

“This defendant systematically targeted consumers and stores across the Commonwealth to steal high-dollar goods,” Sunday said. “The diligent work of our Organized Retail Crime Unit has stopped another criminal enterprise from inflicting further harm on hard-working Pennsylvanians.”

According to investigators, Rulan used stolen store credit cards to purchase expensive items, including flooring, air conditioning units, and vacuums. In some instances, he allegedly used fraudulent identification to impersonate cardholders.

Between June and December 2023, Rulan reportedly made fraudulent purchases at 23 Lowe’s locations across more than a dozen counties, totaling approximately $96,000.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Philip M. McCarthy.

Criminal charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.