Woman charged in retail thefts across five Florida counties

FLORIDA — A woman accused of participating in an organized retail theft ring has been charged with multiple felonies, according to Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Lourdes Rodriguez is said to have committed dozens of thefts across Brevard, Martin, Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Seminole counties, targeting businesses like Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, and liquor stores. The thefts reportedly caused approximately $15,000 in losses.

Ms Rodriguez is the third person arrested in connection to a broader retail theft group, which authorities say caused more than $100,000 in losses to over 50 businesses statewide.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office investigation, Rodriguez allegedly concealed merchandise in a personal bag or one stolen from a business before leaving the stores without paying.

Ms Moody highlighted the efforts of the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange Task Force (FORCE) in the investigation.

“Working with our law enforcement partners and our Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange Task Force, we dismantled a massive organized retail theft ring with a third arrest this week,” said Moody.

Criminal organizations, be warned—in Florida, we have the tools and talent to investigate and take down your criminal enterprise, and you will pay for your crimes.”

Ms Rodriguez faces charges including two counts of felony organized retail theft and two counts of grand theft. She is currently held in the Palm Beach County Jail on additional theft-related charges.

Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Chris Olowin from Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case.