FLORIDA — Three individuals are facing charges of racketeering and retail theft in connection with more than 35 alleged thefts across South Florida, according to the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP).
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A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigation identified Ariel McFarlane, Lequentin Butler, and Eddy Etienne as members of an organized crime ring accused of stealing over $15,000 in merchandise from retailers.
The group reportedly targeted major stores, including CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s, stealing items such as laundry detergent, fragrances, and expensive clothing.
“All the laundry detergent and perfume in the state of Florida couldn’t cover up the stench of guilt emanating from these organized retail thieves. They committed more than 35 thefts from multiple retailers in South Florida, stealing more than $15,000 worth of laundry detergent, fragrances, and expensive clothing,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“Now, my statewide prosecutors will make sure they pay for this four-month crime spree spanning multiple counties.”
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According to the OSP, investigators revealed that between January and April, the stolen goods were sold online via Mr. McFarlane’s Facebook Marketplace page and Instagram. The group is said to have used McFarlane’s vehicle to deliver items to buyers in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Each defendant faces charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized retail theft, and unlawful use of two-way communication devices. Additionally, Mr. McFarlane and Mr. Butler are charged with dealing in stolen property, and Etienne faces a grand theft charge.
Mr. Etienne, who is in the United States on a green card, is reportedly still at large.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin and Kristin Howe will handle the case on behalf of the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
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