Walmart, Ulta, Kay among 10 chains targeted in multi-state shoplifting and smash-and-grab thefts; 11 indicted
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National chains like Walmart, Home Depot, Ulta, and Kay Jewelers were among the retailers targeted by an alleged crime ring accused of conducting snatch-and-grab jewelry robberies and going on shoplifting sprees across multiple states.
Big picture view:
On Wednesday, a grand jury in Chatham County, Georgia, indicted 11 people in connection with the thefts, charging them all with violating the state’s RICO statute, Attorney General Chris Carr explained. They also face individual counts of shoplifting, robbery, theft by taking, and theft by receiving stolen property.
The backstory:
The Georgia Attorney General’s Office stated the suspects targeted national retailers through organized shoplifting and snatch-and-grab jewelry thefts. Prosecutors alleged the group made off with luxury goods such as Rolex watches, designer sunglasses, perfume and gold jewelry, along with items like high-end electronics and power tools. The items were reported to have then been sold on Meta platforms like Instagram.
Timeline:
According to Georgia prosecutors, the group targeted 10 national retailers between October 2022 and September 2026, including Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Floor & Decor, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut, DTLR, Kay Jewelers, Zales and Great American Jewelers. The thefts spanned 11 Georgia counties, including Cobb and Bartow, as well as store locations in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Dig deeper:
The 11 suspects, who mostly lived in Savannah and Pooler, Georgia, are identified as:
- Shawntavius Shanell Butler, 31
- Rashamel Okuise Gardner, 33
- Eugene Edward Sibert, 54
- Lakytra Marie Gardner, 37
- Jasmonique Lavon Franklin, 35
- Deaunbrey Antonio Gardner, 51
- Dominique A. Giles, Jr., 19
- Zyquie Hakeem Gardner, 26
- Javari Javontay Romain Larry, 24
- Shi’heed Ja’mill Small, 26
- Cedric Latroy Gardner, 33
Georgia officials have not confirmed whether all 11 defendants are currently in custody or if outstanding arrest warrants remain active.
Law enforcement notes that while confirmed losses exceed $200,000, the full financial impact across all four states is still being evaluated.
The Source: Source: Information in this report was provided directly in an official press release from the Office of Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. This story was reported from Orlando.