Attorney General Chris Carr recently announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit secured a new indictment in Chatham County charging 11 individuals in connection with a large-scale organized retail crime scheme.
The individuals targeted 10 retail stores in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia, and total losses are believed to be over $200,000.
What specifically are the individuals being charged with? As explained in the indictment, between October 2022 and September 2026, the defendants stole and robbed merchandise from The Home Depot, Inc., Walmart, Inc., Ulta Beauty, Inc., Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Bath & Body Works, Inc., Luxottica of America, Inc. (Sunglass Hut), DTLR, Inc., Sterling Jewelers, Inc. (Kay Jewelers), Signet Jewelers, Inc. (Zales), and Great American Jewelers.
The defendants are alleged to have primarily targeted flooring, paint, household fixtures, small appliances, electronics, clothing, perfume, cologne, sunglasses, solid gold necklaces, solid gold bracelets, diamond rings, and Rolex watches.
What key figures had to say:
- AG Chris Carr: “Organized retail crime poses a significant threat to our state, leading to billions in lost revenue, thousands of lost jobs, and increased violence against employees. That’s exactly why we created Georgia’s first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit, so we could work with all levels of law enforcement to protect businesses and consumers, and this case is just the latest example. If you target our retailers, we’re coming for you, and we will ensure that you’re prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
- Chief Lenny B. Gunther of the Savannah Police Department: “This case involved a tremendous amount of collaboration and teamwork across multiple agencies. I couldn’t be prouder of the outstanding work of SPD’s officers and that of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
Who investigated this case? This case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit, the Savannah Police Department, and the asset protection teams at Signet Jewelers Limited, The Home Depot, Inc., Ulta Beauty, Inc., Walmart, Inc., and Bath & Body Works, Inc.
