Organized Retail Theft Ring Dismantled in 14 Florida Counties

Strategic Insights -

Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Melbourne Police Department have dismantled an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in 14 Florida counties. The trio, consisting of Marshawn Gordon, John McClure, III, and Vishram Baijnauth, was responsible for stealing nearly $30,000 worth of merchandise, including Yeti products, tech devices, and golf balls. The investigation revealed that the group committed 28 separate thefts, selling the stolen goods online through McClure's Facebook marketplace postings and eBay.

Key Takeaways:

  • The organized retail theft ring targeted stores in 14 Florida counties, including Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, and Seminole.
  • The trio stole nearly $30,000 worth of merchandise, including Yeti products, tech devices, and golf balls.
  • The group committed 28 separate thefts, with Marshawn Gordon and John McClure, III raiding stores while wearing masks.
  • John McClure, III used online platforms such as Facebook marketplace and eBay to sell the stolen goods, claiming they were sold at "heavily discounted prices."
  • A search warrant at Vishram Baijnauth's residence revealed a large quantity of stolen products, as well as computers, postage mailers, and scales for product shipment.
  • McClure is charged with one count of grand theft, a first-degree felony; one count of scheme to defraud, a second-degree felony; and three counts of dealing in stolen property, all second-degree felonies.
  • Gordon is charged with one count of grand theft, a second-degree felony; and one count of scheme to defraud, a third-degree felony.

Statistics:

  • $30,000: Nearly the value of merchandise stolen by the organized retail theft ring.
  • 28: The number of separate thefts committed by the group.
  • 14: The number of Florida counties targeted by the group.
  • 3: The number of conspirators arrested and charged.
  • 2: The number of felony charges leveled against John McClure, III.
  • 2: The number of felony charges leveled against Marshawn Gordon.

Sources:

  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (2022, Unpublished) - Distributed by Contify.com.