ID theft ring filed false tax returns, bought gift cards, authorities say  Eight people from Broward County, including three siblings, are accused of stealing identities to get illegal tax refunds in order to buy thousands of dollars in gift cards from South Florida retailers. Accused of multiple fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in a federal indictment. The group fraudulently obtained more than 20 different debit and credit card numbers, but is suspected of having more than 100 victims nationwide, said Sgt. Rich Rossman, of the Broward Sheriff's Organized Retail Crime Unit. It's just as lucrative as the narcotic trafficking trade," he said. "They try to hide behind the anonymity of their computer, stay undetected as opposed to being out on the street selling narcotics." The fraudulently obtained tax refunds were then used at stores, primarily Walmart stores in Lauderdale Lakes, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and Coconut Creek, where more than $18,000 worth of gift cards were purchased between November 2011 and August 2012, authorities said. In addition to the gift cards, high-end electronics were also purchased and were then sold to turn over a "100 percent profit" for the co-conspirators, Rossman said. During the investigation, authorities found that the group initially targeted major retailers, but then "branched out" during tax season to turn their focus on filing false tax returns, Rossman said. The investigation is continuing as authorities try to find others who might have helped the group acquire victims' identities, he said. (Source orlandosentinel.com)

Two ORC ring leaders indicted in Ocean County, N.J.
A Stafford man and a Lacey women have been indicted by an Ocean County grand jury for their role in what is being called an "organized retail theft enterprise." Bryan A. Johnson, 25, of Stafford, and Kayla F. Burdette, 22, of Lacey Township, were indicted on charges of second degree shoplifting, for crimes committed "in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise," and second degree leader of an organized retail theft enterprise. The pair's scheme, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, allegedly employed by Johnson and Burdette involved at least eight other individuals and occurred over a period of approximately six months. Johnson and Burdette's criminal enterprise affected multiple retail chains in Stafford and Toms River, authorities said. (Source lacey.patch.com)

Female shoplifter makes 10 trips with stolen goods at a Berlin, MD Walmart
Maryland State troopers responded to Walmart, where employees alerted them to the alleged theft. Employees of the store told authorities the shoplifter had made approximately 10 trips in and out of Walmart during a three-hour period, concealing merchandise inside her handbag. Deputies found a black trash bag inside the suspect’s vehicle with items totaling $1,289.47. (Source delmarvanow.com)


D.C. police arrest members of rap group in retail store thefts targeting cellphones  DC police arrest members of rap group in retail store thefts targeting cellphones stores in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The brazen thefts over the past 16 months cost shops $77,000. Police said they built their case after noticing a pattern targeting primarily T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T stores, reviewed video surveillance and recruited an informant who had participated in some of the thefts. (Source blurbrain.com)