As LA County continues to combat organized retail theft, LADA has filed nearly 500 charges in 2024 alone, resulting in an 89% conviction rate, a 25% increase in convictions since 2019.
August 24, 2024 – LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, is intensifying its fight against the surge in organized retail theft that has impacted numerous retailers throughout Los Angeles County.
Since 2019, LADA has filed more than 1,500 organized retail theft charges to combat this serious crime. Year-to-date, in 2024 alone, prosecutors have filed 477 organized retail theft charges, resulting in an 89% conviction rate – a considerable increase in convictions since the previous administration. By comparison, in 2019, 64% of 135 cases ended in convictions.
“Prosecutors and law enforcement are working harder than ever to combat organized retail theft as this serious crime continues to threaten the economic vitality of our communities and the safety of our residents,” District Attorney Gascón said. “My office’s Organized Crime Division, in partnership with the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, is fully committed to continuing to address this issue head-on. We have clearly begun to see the positive impact of our coordinated efforts, but our work is far from over. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who participate in these criminal activities, using every tool at our disposal to bring them to justice.”
These cases were filed through the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office.
Organized retail theft typically involves multiple defendants, acting in concert to steal large quantities of goods. These thefts can result in substantial financial losses for businesses, leading to higher costs for consumers. Organized retail theft can also jeopardize the safety of our communities, disrupt businesses, and create an environment of fear. These crimes have increasingly targeted a vast array of businesses, from high-end retailers to discount stores in Los Angeles County, resulting in significant economic impact.
Recent cases in Los Angeles County have highlighted the breadth of this criminal activity, which includes coordinated attacks on stores carrying high-value or easily resold items, such as luxury goods. The task force also focuses on dismantling the operations of fences – resellers who create demand for stolen goods and move them in high volumes.
As of August 15, 2024, eight defendants are pending trial for organized theft crimes, while three defendants are pending trial for fencing-related crimes.
To date, prosecutors have secured ORT convictions and sentencings against the following individuals:
- Two men robbed two Bevmo stores in Long Beach and Lakewood: Andrew Munns, pled guilty to one count PC 490.4 – organized retail theft, and one count PC 211 – second-degree robbery, and was sentenced to two years and eight months in state prison; Desmond Singleton, pled guilty to one count of PC 490.4, and was sentenced to eight months in state prison.
- A group targeted the Chanel boutique to grab and steal luxury items from the Beverly Hills location of Saks Fifth Avenue. Terrence Perryman pled guilty one to count of PC 490.4 – organized retail theft, and received probation; and Kolby Williams, pled guilty to one count of PCC 211 – second-degree robbery, and was sentenced to two years in state prison.
- Warehouse Shoe Sale stores have been repeated targets for thieves in LA County, resulting in $12,000 in revenue loss.
- Following thefts at three stores in LA County, Sharonnie Waldron, pled guilty to one count of PC 211 – second-degree robbery and was sentenced to two years in state prison. Following thefts at two stores in LA County, Justin Rucker, pled guilty to PC 490.4 – organized retail theft, and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
While some retail theft cases are pending, sentences can range from probation to state prison, and can include charges such as: organized retail theft, grand theft, robbery, second-degree robbery, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property.
Some of the cases filed include prominent retailers such as: 99 Cent Store, American Eagle, Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, Kevin Jewelers, Kohls, Macy’s, Marshall’s, Nike, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, Rite Aid, Ross, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sam’s Club, Sephora, Target, Ulta, Victoria’s Secret, WSS, Sunglass Hut, 7-Eleven, and numerous small businesses.
Noteworthy Legislative Efforts Under DA Gascón
On August 16, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1802 (Jones-Sawyer) into law, marking a significant step in California's fight against organized retail theft. Sponsored by the DA’s office, this new legislation eliminates the sunset date on California’s Organized Retail Theft statute, ensuring its continued effectiveness in addressing this growing issue.
In addition to AB 1802, the Governor announced the signing of several other LADA-supported key bills aimed at enhancing crime prevention and enforcement:
- AB 1972 (Assemblymember Juan Alanis) – Regional property crimes task force
- SB 905 (Assemblymember Scott Wiener) – Crimes: theft from a vehicle
- SB 982 (Assemblymember Aisha Wahab) – Crimes: organized theft
- SB 1144 (Assemblymember Nancy Skinner) – Marketplaces: online marketplaces
These legislative measures collectively aim to enhance California's response to theft and bolster community and business security across the state.
From legislation, to collaboration with law enforcement, to persistent prosecution, the DA’s office is committed to sending a message that organized retail theft will not go unpunished.
If anyone has information on these types of crimes that have occurred in Los Angeles County, please call the LAPD Organized Retail Theft Task Force contact, Lt. Michael McComas at 818-374-9420 or email orc@lapd.online, or the LASO Organized Retail Crime Task Force contact, Lt. Derek White at 562-946-7270 or email orctf@lasd.org.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please call LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney
