The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
Eight people in Florida have been accused of operating a racketeering ring and taking nearly $85,000 worth of baby formula and assorted items for purported resale on the black market.
Beginning in August 2019, Florida locations of Walmart, Publix, and Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie) in 18 counties reported that they were being targeted by thieves who were taking mostly baby products, such as diapers, formula, and baby food. Energy drinks were also reported in some of the product losses from the stores.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Detectives worked alongside state agencies. They opened an investigation into the reported recurring thefts, which allegedly continued throughout 2020.
During their investigation, the authorities asserted that five women were consistently visiting the establishments and walking out with goods without paying.
Beatrice Johnson, Andrea Mack, Ashley Anderson, Adrian Givens, and Rantevia Singleton were reported as playing the part of the “boosters,” which means they entered the locations, procured the items, and dropped them off to others responsible for selling them.
Eshaud Suid, Ahmed Hamdan, and Abas Issa were identified as the alleged “fencers,” who were reportedly reselling the items to the public. They allegedly purchased the products from the boosters by the piece for a flat rate of $5.00 before marking them up for resale to make a profit.
Mack, Anderson, Givens, Rantevia, singleton, Suid, Hamdan, and Issa were all arrested, and they are facing charges including, but not limited to racketeering, theft, and dealing in stolen property.
The authorities reported that they have not yet located Johnson, but there is an active warrant out for her arrest.
The stores estimated a total loss of approximately $84,000 in merchandise.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.