Attorney General Chris Carr has announced the appointment of former Cobb County Assistant District Attorney Timothy Ruffini to lead Georgia’s first statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit. Ruffini will manage a team of prosecutors and investigators dedicated to addressing criminal networks involved in recurring thefts and acts of violence targeting businesses across the state. This new unit is part of the Attorney General’s Prosecution Division, which also includes units focused on gang prosecution, human trafficking, and white-collar and cybercrime.
“Tim is a talented prosecutor whose knowledge and experience will prove essential as we work to combat organized retail crime throughout our state,” said Carr. “At a time when it’s incredibly difficult to hire staff, where workforce is cited as one of the most significant challenges facing businesses of all sizes, the additional concern a potential employee now has is for his or her own personal safety. With our new statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit, we will continue to serve as a force multiplier by working with all levels of law enforcement to dismantle these increasingly violent and brazen networks once and for all.”
Funding for the new Organized Retail Crime Unit was included in the state’s FY 2025 budget with support from Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly.
“Those who steal from Georgia businesses will absolutely face consequences,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why we made funding this unit a budget priority: to put those who profit from the loss of others on notice that we will not stop in ensuring justice. I’m confident the Attorney General’s Office will diligently carry out this mission and help keep Georgia the best state in the nation to do business.”
Georgia businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion annually due to retail theft, including $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs. A 2021 study found that nearly 76 percent of retailers reported physical assaults against associates due to organized retail crime, while 41 percent reported attacks involving weapons. This unlawful activity is often linked to other criminal operations such as gang activity, human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery, and money laundering.
“I’m honored to join Attorney General Carr as we continue to build upon the excellent work and reputation of the Department of Law’s Prosecution Division,” said Ruffini. “I look forward to building a team of dedicated prosecutors and investigators who will work alongside our business partners, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement, to relentlessly combat the growing problem of organized retail crime and the violence associated with it.”
Ruffini previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cobb County where he was assigned to various task forces dealing with narcotics-related organized crime. His career includes handling felony investigations ranging from aggravated assault and armed robbery to complex gang-related cases.
Before his tenure in Cobb County, Ruffini spent over ten years as an Assistant District Attorney in Chatham County where he coordinated investigations involving violent felonies through various task forces including serving as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
In Chatham County's notable case State v. Keith Marrow involving triple homicide charges resulting in life sentences without parole for Malice Murder convictions was successfully prosecuted by Ruffini among other significant cases during his career.
Ruffini's appointment took effect on August 16th.