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The suspects are accused of overwhelming stores with “flash mob” tactics, targeting high-end retail items, and reselling stolen goods.
Attorney General Anthony Brown revealed details about the operation, which spanned Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, and Prince George’s counties.
Those charged include:
- Donte Bernard Shaw, 34, of Washington, DC;
- Taquan Anthony Neal, 25, of District Heights;
- Antonio William Polite, 35, of Hyattsville;
- Samuel Cordell Whitmire, Jr., 29, of Alexandria.
The charges against them include:
- Participation in a criminal organization;
- Theft scheme totaling over $100,000;
- Conspiracy to commit theft and second-degree burglary;
- Multiple individual counts of theft and burglary;
- Illegal possession of a firearm (Shaw).
Police say the group repeatedly targeted retailers such as Sunglass Hut, Ulta Beauty, LensCrafters, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
They struck during business hours, storming in, grabbing as much merchandise as possible, and fleeing, with some stores hit multiple times in a matter of days, then sold the stolen items in person or by posting to online marketplaces.
“Organized retail crimes are not victimless. Stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from businesses can lead to higher prices for products that Marylanders need, and cost hardworking employees their jobs,” Brown said.
“My office will continue to protect Maryland consumers and businesses from crimes like these that hurt our economy."
Investigators began tracking the group in September 2023, with assistance from law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions, including Montgomery and Howard counties.
The suspects will face prosecution in Howard County Circuit Court.
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