Attorney General James Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against four individuals accused of operating a retail theft ring that stole over $500,000 worth of electronics. The defendants, Giffton St. Abuyn White, Sheldon Beswick Brown, Christopher Palmer, and Samuel Drummond, allegedly diverted UPS shipments intended for T-Mobile stores and sold the stolen goods to a third party.
"Florida is a law and order state, and we take organized retail theft seriously — if you commit this crime, know that our law enforcement partners will find you," stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. He expressed gratitude to the Office of Statewide Prosecution for assembling the case to ensure justice is served.
The thefts occurred within Florida's 15th, 17th, and 19th judicial circuits in Broward, Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The losses incurred by T-Mobile exceeded $500,000.
Each defendant faces multiple charges: conspiracy to commit racketeering; organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more; dealing in stolen property; and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Additionally, White, Brown, and Drummond are charged with grand theft exceeding $100,000. Palmer faces a charge of grand theft between $20,000 and $100,000. These charges include first-degree felonies such as conspiracy to commit racketeering and grand theft over $100,000.
White, Palmer, and Brown have been arrested while Drummond remains at large with an active warrant for his arrest.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin and Monique Wilson will oversee the prosecution on behalf of Attorney General Uthmeier’s office.