FLORIDA — Three Florida residents have been arrested in connection with an alleged organized retail theft ring that reportedly targeted stores in 14 counties, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Melbourne Police Department have announced.
According to the announcement, the ring targeted stores in Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Duval, Hillsborough, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, and Seminole counties.
Stores targeted include Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops, BJ’s Wholesale, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, and Walmart, Moody said.
According to Moody’s statement, Marshawn Gordon and John McClure III wore masks and raided stores, stealing nearly $30,000 worth of merchandise. A third conspirator, Vishram Baijnauth, knowingly purchased the stolen items from Gordon and McClure at unreasonably low prices to resell online, the Attorney General’s Office said.
Law enforcement arrested the three individuals, and Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will handle the cases.
“This trio targeted stores in 14 counties across our state—stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise while trying to evade capture,” said Moody.
“Their shoplifting has ended, and my statewide prosecutors will make sure they pay for their crime spree.”
The investigation reportedly revealed that Gordon and McClure committed 28 separate thefts targeting specific merchandise in stores—mostly Yeti products, tech devices and golf balls.
The duo then allegedly sold the stolen goods, most notably through McClure’s online Facebook marketplace postings under the alias ‘China Sam.’
McClure reportedly set the listings at heavily discounted prices.
According to the announcement, McClure either kept the items at a storage facility or transported the items to Baijnauth’s residence.
Through a search warrant, police said they found hordes of products in Baijnauth’s home, along with computers, postage mailers, and scales for shipment.
Baijnauth reportedly paid McClure for the items, then proceeded to sell the stock for profit on eBay.
Moody’s office said McClure is charged with one count of grand theft, a first-degree felony; one count of scheme to defraud, a second-degree felony; and three counts of dealing in stolen property, all second-degree felonies.
Gordon is charged with one count of grand theft, a second-degree felony, and one count of scheme to defraud, a third-degree felony.
Vishram Baijnauth is charged with two counts of dealing in stolen property, both second-degree felonies.
