Florida’s retail theft and racketeering enterprise, which stole millions, has been busted by state officials.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against 6 accused of orchestrating a retail heist, stealing merchandise from major Florida retailers, TJX companies.
The accused then sold the stolen goods through an online selling scheme, generating millions of dollars.
The Florida attorney general disclosed the identities of the 6 accused: Ethel McCaskill, Rochelle Jarrett, Sharon Thomas, Drianna Thomas, Tawanda Ellison, and Tacara Gillyard.
“This criminal enterprise systematically stole from Florida retailers and exploited homeless people from shelters to convert stolen merchandise into gift cards,” said Florida AG Uthmeier.
”Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime—it raises prices for every consumer and harms honest businesses,” warned Uthmeier.
The Florida attorney general vowed to combat these rackets and added, “Thanks to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their leadership on the investigation.
“Through our Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we will dismantle these rings and hold the participants accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The six defendants are accused of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering operation that involved theft and fencing stolen goods from May 2020 to April 2022.
2026-08-07 18:50:00
