HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry, alongside the Pennsylvania State Police, has unveiled charges against three alleged ringleaders of a complex retail theft operation. This group is accused of stealing merchandise and manipulating return processes at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores, securing over $850,000 in fraudulent payouts.
The charges, stemming from a rigorous investigation by the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, involve a total of nine individuals allegedly engaged in this elaborate fraud since 2022. The accused leaders, Davon Whitfield of Roslyn, Naima Scott of Abington, and Zonay Griffin of Philadelphia, face multiple felony charges, including corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, forgery, and conspiracy.
Authorities detail that the group exploited return policies at TJX Companies’ stores, initiating transactions with stolen items which were then returned for refunds. These refunds were often manipulated to benefit the defendants’ debit cards. Throughout the operation, the group allegedly conducted about 1,500 transactions, amassing over $700,000.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Retail Crime Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police’s Organized Crime Unit. As Attorney General Henry articulated, “This was a sophisticated, highly-profitable scheme…but make no mistake about it, this conduct is theft.”
Colonel Christopher Paris of the Pennsylvania State Police emphasized the broader impacts of such crimes, noting that retail theft inflates the cost of essential goods for communities.
The alleged criminal network targeted over 1,000 locations across nine states, with a concentration of activity around southeastern Pennsylvania, particularly suburban Philadelphia. Alongside the three leaders, six others—Shakeira Vivan, Miara Armstead, Harry Anderson, Lamar Washington, Jasmine Reese, and Myles Hartman—are also charged in connection with the scheme.
As proceedings continue, all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Prosecution of the case will be led by Senior Deputy Attorney General Erik Olsen and Deputy Attorney General Noelle Wilkinson, as authorities work towards securing justice in this extensive fraud case.
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