Four Men Indicted for $800,000 in Retail Thefts Across Maryland
Baltimore – Four men have been indicted for their involvement in a criminal organization responsible for $800,000 in retail burglaries and thefts across six Maryland jurisdictions. Donte Bernard Shaw, Taquan Anthony Neal, Antonio William Polite, and Samuel Cordell Whitmire, Jr. are charged with participating in the organization and multiple instances of theft and burglary.
The organization targeted stores including Sunglass Hut, Ulta Beauty, LensCrafters, Perfumania, GameStop, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. They often overwhelmed store employees with a “flash mob” tactic, filling bags with products before fleeing. The retail thefts occurred during business hours and sometimes outside operating hours.
Attorney General Brian Frosh stated, “Organized retail crimes are not victimless. Stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from businesses can lead to higher prices for products that Marylanders need, and cost hardworking employees their jobs.”
Retail theft has been on the rise in the US. Many stores, such as Target and Giant Food, have implemented measures to combat theft, including limiting self-checkout and banning large bags. The indictment alleges that the organization targeted luxury retail clothing stores and sold the stolen items in person or online.
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