TCOLE Criminal Investigations Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct term for someone who regularly receives and disposes of stolen property is "fence." A fence operates as an intermediary for stolen goods, buying items from thieves and then reselling them, thus facilitating the ongoing cycle of theft and distribution. This practice is illegal, as it enables criminals to profit from their thefts, making the fence an essential figure in the black market for stolen property.

The distinctions between the other terms help to clarify why "fence" is the most appropriate choice. A thief directly engages in the act of stealing, whereas an accomplice is someone who assists another person in committing a crime, but may not handle stolen goods themselves. A trafficker typically refers to someone involved in the illegal trade of goods or substances—such as drugs or weapons—but does not specifically denote the handling of stolen property like a fence does. Thus, "fence" accurately encapsulates the role defined in the question regarding the continuous cycle of receiving and disposing of stolen items.