Eleven people have been indicted over an alleged multi-state organised retail theft scheme said to have caused more than $200,000 in losses across Georgia and three other US states.
The Chatham County grand jury returned the indictment on 16 September, charging all 11 defendants with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations (RICO) Act. Additional charges include shoplifting, robbery, theft by taking and receiving stolen property.
Prosecutors allege that the group targeted 10 major retail chains between October 2022 and September 2026, with offences reported across 11 Georgia counties and at stores in Florida, South Carolina and Virginia.
Retail theft allegations
The retailers named in the indictment include Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Floor & Decor, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut, DTLR, Kay Jewelers, Zales and Great American Jewelers.
According to Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office, the alleged criminal enterprise carried out organised shoplifting operations and “snatch-and-grab” robberies at jewellery stores. Items allegedly taken included Rolex watches, solid-gold jewellery, diamond rings, power tools, electronics, clothing, perfume and designer sunglasses.
Investigators further allege that stolen goods were advertised and sold through Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram.
The defendants are 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; and Cedric Latroy Gardner, 33.
Most of the defendants are from Savannah, while Franklin is from Pooler, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation involved Georgia’s statewide Organised Retail Crime Unit, the Savannah Police Department and asset-protection teams from several of the retailers. A number of other local, state and federal agencies also provided assistance, including the Georgia State Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Officials said the total losses were believed to exceed $200,000, but the full financial impact across all four states was still being assessed.
The Attorney General’s Office has not confirmed whether all 11 defendants are in custody or whether any arrest warrants remain outstanding.
The charges are allegations, and all of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
