HARRISBURG, PA- Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Pennsylvania State Police have charged three alleged leaders of an organized retail theft ring. The group is accused of stealing merchandise, altering receipts, and making fraudulent returns at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores, leading to $850,000 in illegal payouts.
The charges stem from an investigation by the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Nine individuals are implicated in the fraud and theft scheme, which began in 2022. The alleged leaders, Davon Whitfield, Naima Scott, and Zonay Griffin, face charges including corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and forgery.
The criminal enterprise reportedly exploited return policies at TJX Companies, which operates T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, and Sierra. Merchandise was stolen and later returned for store credit, which was used for further purchases and converted to refunds on defendants’ debit cards.
In total, around 1,500 transactions tied to Whitfield, Scott, and Griffin accrued more than $700,000. Additional members charged are Shakeira Vivan, Miara Armstead, Harry Anderson, and Lamar Washington.