TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Most people looking to get into politics hold off on stealing until after they’re elected. In the case of one council candidate, his alleged five-finger past…
NEWARK, N.J. — Newark police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man who caused damage inside a Dollar Tree store during a dispute with an employee on May…
ERIE, PA — Erie Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman suspected in a retail theft that occurred last month in the 100 block of West 26th…
HOWELL, N.J. — Two suspects from New York were arrested after allegedly attempting to steal over $6,300 in merchandise from the ULTA store in Howell Commons, prompting a foot chase…
Governor Signs Legislation to Combat Retail Crime in New Jersey
**Trenton, NJ** – Governor Phil Murphy has enacted bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Senator Holly Schepisi to tackle the growing issue of organized retail crime. The new law targets the escalating threat by enhancing penalties for retail theft and improving law enforcement’s capacity to manage these offenses effectively.
Senator Schepisi highlighted the financial impact of organized retail crime, noting significant costs to businesses and increased consumer prices. She emphasized the safety risks employees face from organized theft groups, stating the new legislation aims to deter criminal organizations and enhance protections for both retailers and consumers.
The legislation, identified as Bill S-3587, introduces several changes to New Jersey’s legal framework regarding organized retail crime. These include regulations concerning the online sale of stolen goods, gift card fraud, and assaults on retail workers, along with additional provisions for prosecutors to aggregate shoplifting violations to determine the severity of offenses.
A notable aspect of the bill is its focus on gift card fraud, which has ties to organized crime in China and fentanyl production. It proposes stronger requirements for packaging and consumer notifications to address these issues. The legislation emphasizes community safety, ensuring retail employees and shoppers are protected from harm and tampering threats.
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says he has a solution to a problem he created. Since taking office, his relaxed stance on retail theft-related crimes and liberal…
JACKSON, NJ – In a significant and unpopular pivot from its original vision, Cardinale Enterprises, led by Vito Cardinale, has introduced a new development plan for the Adventure Crossing project…
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore unveiled his fiscal 2026 budget proposal Wednesday, which includes a proposed 75-cent tax on most online retail deliveries, a move critics argue would…
TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Authorities have arrested Paola I. Cabrera-Delapaz, 36, on charges related to her alleged role as the leader of an organized retail theft enterprise. Cabrera-Delapaz is facing…
Queens Couple Charged in International Retail Theft Case
**Queens, NY** – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Governor Kathy Hochul reported a major retail theft operation involving Christopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista. The couple, alongside three co-defendants, is accused of selling stolen high-end makeup, perfume, and designer clothing under Yvelisse Fashion, LLC. They allegedly directed theft crews to acquire specific items and sold these in Queens and the Dominican Republic. Charges include fostering the sale of stolen goods, a new crime in New York.
DA Katz emphasized the importance of consumer caution when purchasing from unfamiliar sources as the holidays approach. The defendants reportedly sold over $2 million in stolen goods over two years through various locations. This case is noted as the first time New York’s new law against selling stolen goods has been enforced. Katz thanked Governor Hochul, New York State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on the case.
Charges against Christopher Guzman, 35, Yvelisse Guzman Batista, 29, and their associates include criminal possession of stolen property and conspiracy. They are due in court on January 15, 2025, with potential penalties of up to 25 years in prison. Tiffany Leon
BALTIMORE, MD — Four men have been indicted for their roles in an organized retail crime ring accused of committing 37 thefts across six Maryland counties, resulting in approximately $800,000…
Two Arrested for Organized Retail Crime at Tanger Outlets
**Rehoboth Beach, DE** – The Delaware State Police arrested Shakiel Carter of Dover and Tramel Wright of Hartly for organized retail crime at Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach on Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, at approximately 4:14 p.m., a trooper responded to a shoplifting incident at The North Face, located at 36706 Bayside Outlet Drive. The trooper was informed about a female suspect concealing merchandise. The suspect’s accomplice, a male, had exited the store as the trooper arrived.
The female suspect provided false identification before fleeing the scene, entering a Honda minivan with the male suspect and a child. Troopers found the van abandoned, with the child inside. Witnesses helped find the male suspect, Tramel Wright, who was arrested and found possessing bags containing suspected heroin.
Shakiel Carter, identified as the female suspect, was apprehended at ACME Markets. A search revealed stolen items from Victoria’s Secret and Under Armour, valued over $1,700. Carter and Wright were charged and taken to Troop 7. Carter was held on a $23,050 secured bond, and Wright
WASHINGTON, DC — Police are searching for three suspects involved in a retail theft and assault that occurred last week in Northwest Washington and are asking for the public’s help…
Pennsylvania Retail Theft Ring Charges Announced
**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, Lamar Washington, Jasmine
Wilkes-Barre, PA – Wilkes-Barre City Police responded to a retail theft incident at 15 South Main Street on October 15th at 2:29 PM. Officers were called to the scene following…
WILKES-BARRE, PA – On Tuesday, authorities responded to an incident involving retail theft and possession of a controlled substance at 15 South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre. Officers were dispatched at 5:43…
Washington, D.C. – A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $6,699 in merchandise from CVS locations in Northwest. On Thursday, September 26, officers apprehended 64-year-old Craig Wilson of…
*Boston, MA – On Tuesday, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan) and District D-4 (South End/Back Bay) conducted Operation Retail Theft as part of the Safe Shopping Initiative. This collaboration with…
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — Delaware State Police have arrested two individuals from Salisbury, Maryland, in connection with a series of organized retail thefts at the Tanger Bayside Outlets in Rehoboth…
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that five individuals have been charged in connection with a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted multiple stores across nine counties…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police are seeking a suspect involved in a retail theft on Wednesday in Northwest D.C. Around 2:00 p.m., the suspect entered a store in the 1600 block…
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE — Delaware State Police have apprehended 46-year-old Spenson Sanchez of Wilmington, Delaware, following a series of retail thefts in New Castle County. Over the past few…
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – On Friday, August 2, at approximately 4:12 PM, New Rochelle Police were notified by the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center of a vehicle associated with…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent theft at a Northwest retail establishment has prompted an appeal from the Metropolitan Police Department for public assistance. On August 1, at around 3:00 p.m.,…
Washington, D.C. — A woman has been arrested for retail theft in Northwest D.C. following an incident at a local business. On Wednesday at approximately 3:15 p.m., the suspect entered…