CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — At least two people are facing charges in connection to an organized retail theft ring in Maryland.
Charles County Sheriff’s detectives arrested two people who attempted to steal numerous fragrances from a department store and attempted to run away. Detective Hooper from Charles County coordinated with the store’s loss prevention staff to put together a surveillance operation.
During the operation, Detective Hooper witnessed 25-year-old Chawnniece Rickelle Mitchell and 26-year-old Gary Denali Goodridge enter the store and grab a large amount of fragrances on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. They reportedly each grabbed multiple fragrances and stuffed them inside of bags.
Mitchell and Goodridge attempted to run out of the store with the stolen items but were stopped by Detective Hooper and the loss prevention staff apprehended them.
Patrol officers scanned the parking lot and noticed an empty silver Mercedes, with the engine running. Officers ran the license plates and discovered the car had been reported stolen from a different area. A key fob belonging to the car was found on one of the accused thieves.
Detectives later connected Mitchell and Goodridge to an organized retail theft ring that reportedly operates throughout the region.
The pair are accused of stealing more than $11,000 worth of fragrances, according to police.
“These retail thefts are causing businesses to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars nationwide. Our detectives noted a pattern and coordinated a well-thought-out plan to apprehend the suspects,” said Sheriff Troy D. Berry.
The two have been charged with two counts of theft. On Wednesday, Mitchell was released from the Charles County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. A judge ordered Goodridge to be held without bond on Thursday.
Police have not said if the two will face charges in connection to the stolen car. Detective Hooper is continuing the investigation.
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