Retail theft ring busted, operated in eight NE Florida counties: FDLE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  —  The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested six alleged members of an organized retail theft ring accused of stealing nearly $90,000 of merchandise from big box retailers in Northeast Florida.

The suspects, all from Georgia, reportedly traveled to Florida weekly to steal merchandise using self-checkout lanes. Using self-checkout, the suspects are accused of only making partial payments before leaving stores with additional items.

Thefts occurred at stores in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Columbia, Volusia, Alachua, and Flagler counties.  The FDLE said the theft ring is responsible for more than 70 separate thefts over the past 18 months.

FDLE’s Jacksonville Regional Operations Center began the investigation in August 2022 after receiving complaints from multiple retailers.

“In Florida, we will not allow criminals to travel into our state and get away with organized retail theft,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.

“Thanks to our law enforcement partners and statewide prosecutors, these six defendants face serious felony charges,” Ms Moody added.

“Organized retail theft is becoming increasingly common and impacts consumers with higher prices on the goods they buy.  In Florida, FDLE agents fight this trend by making retail theft cases a priority and working to arrest all members of a criminal organization,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mike Williams.

According to the FDLE, here are the individuals who have been arrested and charges for each:

— Robert Thad Bryant III, 40, Kingsland, Georgia, booked into Putnam County Jail

• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), one count
• Grand theft, 49 counts
• Petit theft, seven counts

— Kimberly Michelle Thompson, 46, Kingsland, Georgia, booked into Clay County Jail

• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), one count

— Brian Lee Wallace, 42, Kingsland, Georgia, booked into Clay County Jail, bonded out

• Grand theft, eight counts
• Petit theft, one count

— Christopher Neal Coats, 41, St. Mary’s, Georgia, booked into Clay County Jail

• Grand theft, five counts
• Petit theft, two counts

— Mary Lynn Corwin, 50, Kingsland, Georgia, booked into Clay County Jail, bonded out

• Grand theft, three counts
• Petit theft, one count

— Ryan Lee Mullis, 44, Kingsland, Georgia, booked into the Bacon County, Georgia Jail.

• Grand theft, one count
• Petit theft, two counts

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.