11 indicted in $200K+ multistate retail crime scheme targeting 10 chains – FOX 5 Atlanta

11 indicted in $200K+ multistate retail crime scheme targeting 10 chains  FOX 5 Atlanta

Eleven suspects face RICO and other charges for running a multi-state retail theft scheme, according to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.A Chatham County grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday charging all 11 suspects with violating the Georgia RICO Act, and individual counts of shoplifting, robbery and theft by taking and theft by receiving stolen property.According to state prosecutors, the group targeted 10 national retailers between October 2022 and September 2026, including Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Floor & Decor, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut, DTLR, Kay Jewelers, Zales and Great American Jewelers. The thefts spanned 11 Georgia counties, including Cobb and Bartow, as well as store locations in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia.The Georgia Attorney General’s Office said the suspects targeted retailers through organized shoplifting and snatch-and-grab jewelry thefts.

Prosecutors allege the group made off with luxury goods ranging from Rolex watches and gold jewelry to power tools, high-end electronics, designer sunglasses, and perfume, reselling the items on Meta platforms like Instagram.The 11 defendants, mostly from Savannah and Pooler, are identified as:State officials have not confirmed whether all 11 defendants are currently in custody or if outstanding arrest warrants remain active.Law enforcement notes that while confirmed losses exceed $200,000, the full financial impact across all four states is still being evaluated. Eleven people have been indicted in a