Criminal charges filed against violent organized retail thieves: AG

FLORIDA — Attorney General Ashley Moody has filed criminal charges against two alleged violent organized retail thieves.

According to Ms Moody, Raheem Davis Jr. and co-defendant Vayshoun Harris are facing charges for allegedly committing multiple robberies at Home Depot stores across five different counties that involved physical violence against store employees.

“These two criminals committed multiple robberies at Home Depot stores across five counties, violently assaulting employees in the process. In one incident, a defendant even pepper-sprayed a cashier in the face,” Moody said.

“We do not stand for organized retail theft in this state, especially theft that involves violence.”

According to the investigation, Davis and Harris reportedly traveled to various Home Depots throughout the state, filled up shopping carts, and tried to check out at the store’s outdoor garden center.

The defendants then allegedly tried to pay for merchandise–more than $1,000 each time–with counterfeit bills. Reportedly, when the clerks realized the counterfeit money, Mr Davis entered the store employee-only area and pushed buttons on the register screen to open the cash drawer.

According to Moody’s office, Davis assaulted store employees who tried to resist. In one incident, Davis is said to have pepper-sprayed a clerk in the face.

Mr Harris allegedly served as a lookout or took the cart full of stolen merchandise to the duo’s vehicle, while Davis is said to have struggled with store employees.

Mr Davis, reported to be the leader of the duo, is facing three counts of burglary with assault or battery, one count of robbery with a weapon, one count of robbery, three counts of attempted robbery, and one count of battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

Davis and Harris are already in custody in other counties for other cases. Mr Davis is in custody in Duval County, and Mr Harris in Manatee County.

Ms Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the case, which will be tried in Palm Beach County.