According to allegations contained in the first indictment, beginning in August 2012, Dellinger, Golden and Hoyle conspired with undercover law enforcement agents to provide "protection" for tractor trailers transporting through Gaston County what the defendants believed to be stolen merchandise such as televisions, generators and motor vehicles, with a total retail value in excess of $158,000. The defendants also conspired to provide "protection" for the transportation of cash in excess of $400,000, which they believed to be proceeds from the sale of stolen goods.