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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Nine charged in $850K retail theft scheme at T.J. Maxx-related stores

State AG
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Attorney General Michelle Henry | Democratic Attorneys General Association Website

Attorney General Michelle Henry, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced charges against three alleged leaders of a retail theft ring. The group is accused of stealing merchandise and manipulating return policies at T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores to obtain over $850,000.

The investigation led to a presentment from the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Nine individuals are charged in connection with the scheme that reportedly began in 2022. The alleged leaders include Davon Whitfield from Roslyn, Naima Scott from Abington, and Zonay Griffin from Philadelphia. They face multiple felony charges such as corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, forgery, and conspiracy.

The organization allegedly exploited return policies at TJX Companies stores — which encompass T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, and Sierra — primarily through item theft followed by returns for store credit.

“This was a sophisticated, highly-profitable scheme involving hundreds of transactions circumventing return policies — but make no mistake about it, this conduct is theft,” Attorney General Henry stated. She expressed gratitude towards the Pennsylvania State Police and her staff for their investigative efforts.

“These crimes affect not only retailers but the communities they serve," said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. "Retail theft harms us all by driving up the prices of essential goods."

While targeting over 1,000 store locations across nine states, most activities were concentrated in southeastern Pennsylvania near suburban Philadelphia. The defendants allegedly executed around 1,500 transactions totaling more than $700,000 in payouts.

Six additional members of the organization have been charged: Shakeira Vivan, Miara Armstead, Harry Anderson, Lamar Washington, Jasmine Reese, and Myles Hartman.

Senior Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen and Deputy Attorney General Noelle Wilkinson will prosecute the case.

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