Four men were indicted Monday for their roles in a criminal organization responsible for $800,000 in retail thefts in at least six jurisdictions in Maryland, including Montgomery County.
According to Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, there were 37 thefts across six counties. The investigation was led by police from the City of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County.
Those arrested ranged in age from 25 to 34 years and lived in Washington, D.C., District Heights, Hyattsville and Alexandria, Virginia. They are charged with robbing Sunglass Hut, Ulta Beauty, LensCrafters, Perfumania, Game Stop and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
“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,” Brown said in a news release.
All four defendants are charged with participation in a criminal organization, theft scheme totaling over $100,000, conspiracy to commit theft and 2nd degree burglary, and multiple individual instances of theft and burglary.
Investigators first became aware of the group in September 2023. The group members targeted stores in Montgomery, Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Queen Anne’s and Prince George’s counties.
Generally, the accused committed thefts “by overwhelming store employees with a rapid, ‘flash mob’ style tactic. During a theft, multiple individuals would enter a store, fill their bags or arms with as much retail product as they could, and flee,” Brown wrote in the news release.
Those involved “repeatedly targeted the same victim retail stores, sometimes stealing from them multiple times within a span of days,” according to Brown.
“This case highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing organized retail crime, which not only impacts businesses but also threatens the safety of our communities,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada.
“The diligence and commitment of detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department and multiple allied agencies led to a successful resolution in this case,” said Gaithersburg Police Chief Mark Sroka.
Today, I announced the indictments of four individuals for organized retail crime involving 37 thefts across six counties, resulting in $800,000 in losses. The group targeted stores with "flash mob" tactics, stealing high-end items like designer sunglasses and perfumes.
My… pic.twitter.com/8ZzZL59ySV
— Anthony G. Brown (@OAGMaryland) November 25, 2024
