Eleven people have been indicted in Georgia over an alleged organised retail crime operation accused of targeting major chains across four US states, including Walmart, Home Depot, Ulta Beauty and Kay Jewelers.
The defendants were charged in Chatham County, Georgia, after prosecutors alleged that they carried out shoplifting raids and “snatch-and-grab” jewellery robberies between October 2022 and September 2026.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said the alleged losses exceeded $200,000, although the full financial impact of the operation was still being assessed.
The indictment alleges that stores in Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and Virginia were targeted. In Georgia, the incidents were linked to locations in 11 counties, including Chatham, Cobb, Bartow, Bibb, Bulloch, Camden, Glynn, Houston, Liberty, Oconee and Toombs.
Items allegedly taken included flooring, paint, household fixtures, small appliances, electronics, clothing, perfume, cologne and sunglasses. Prosecutors also cited solid gold necklaces and bracelets, diamond rings and Rolex watches.
Investigators claim stolen goods were later advertised or sold through Instagram, which is owned by Meta. The alleged enterprise is also accused of targeting jewellery shops in robberies in which merchandise was seized and suspects fled.
The defendants are charged under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, alongside individual allegations including shoplifting, robbery and receiving stolen property. Evidence was presented to a Chatham County grand jury on September 16, with the indictment announced two days later.
The investigation was conducted by the Georgia Attorney General’s Organised Retail Crime Unit and Savannah Police, with assistance from retailer asset-protection teams and law enforcement agencies in the four states.
The people indicted 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 nearby Pooler, according to the Georgia Attorney General’s Office.
Officials have not said whether all 11 defendants are in custody or whether any arrest warrants remain outstanding.
The Attorney General’s Office stressed that an indictment contains allegations only. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
