Organized Retail Theft Ring Dismantled in Florida: Three Arrested, $30,000 in Stolen Merchandise Recovered

The Florida Attorney General's Office and the Melbourne Police Department announced the dismantling of an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in 14 counties across the state. The investigation revealed that Marshawn Gordon and John McClure, III, wore masks and raided stores, stealing nearly $30,000 worth of merchandise, including Yeti products, tech devices, and golf balls. The stolen goods were sold through online marketplaces, including Facebook and eBay.

Key Takeaways:

• The organized retail theft ring targeted stores in 14 counties, including Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, BJ's Wholesale, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, and Walmart.
• The ring stole nearly $30,000 worth of merchandise, mostly Yeti products, tech devices, and golf balls.
• Marshawn Gordon and John McClure, III, are charged with various felonies, including grand theft, scheme to defraud, and dealing in stolen property.
• Vishram Baijnauth is charged with two counts of dealing in stolen property.
• The investigation revealed 28 separate thefts, with McClure selling the stolen goods through online marketplaces under the alias "China Sam."
• Police found hordes of products in Baijnauth's home, along with computers, postage mailers, and scales for product shipment.
• The ring's theft spanned across Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, and Seminole counties.

Statistics:

• $30,000: The estimated value of the stolen merchandise.
• 28: The number of separate thefts committed by Gordon and McClure.
• 3: The number of counties where McClure kept the stolen items, including storage facilities and the home of co-conspirator Vishram Baijnauth.
• 2: The number of counts of dealing in stolen property charged against Vishram Baijnauth.
• 1: The number of online marketplaces used to sell the stolen goods, including Facebook and eBay.

Sources:

• The Florida Attorney General's Office
• The Melbourne Police Department