Michigan couple plead not guilty to ORC charges; among the first testing Michigan’s new ORC law  Harold James Bates, 37, has been charged with organized retail crime for allegedly encouraging a number of people to shoplift items from local stores to be sold through online sites such as Craigslist, according to Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Badovinac. Bates also has been charged with intimidating a witness. Bates’ wife, Caila Lynn Bates, 30, also has been charged with organized retail crime, as well as intimidating a witness. Harold Bates allegedly allowed his associates to live at his home in exchange for bringing him stolen merchandise, Badovinac said. The intimidating a witness charge stems from him allegedly warning them not to reveal the details of their relationship. (Source cadillacnews.com)

Syracuse ORC ring sold over $10,000 of gift cards to pawn shops  Dewitt Police are looking for for 37-year-old Cynthia Smith of Oswego, in connection to a crime ring which targeted retail chains. According to police, the suspects involved would steal merchandise from a store and then return the items to multiple locations of the same retailer in return for gift cards. The suspects would then sell the gift cards to area pawn shops. At the time of the arrests, police say the suspects were responsible for more than $10,000 in fraudulent returns of stolen merchandise spanning several months. Three others have already been arrested in connection to the alleged crime ring. (Source syracuse.com)

Waco suspect arrested; believed to be a gang member connected to Organized Retail theft  Waco police say they have arrested the final suspect in connection with they have identified as a gang connected theft operation. 20-year-old Jermaine Jamal Monroe is being held on a charge of participating in organized crime. This charge is in connection with 36 items stolen from Carters Children's Store in Waco. Police say others involved in what police were calling organized retail theft, have already been picked up or turned themselves in. (Source kxxv.com)

Three Arrested in Minnesota attempting to steal $5000 of merchandise from Walmart  An alert Walmart employee notice a pick-up truck parked outside near a fire door. The employee said the three suspects were seen stacking high-value items near the emergency exit before quickly leaving the area. Three suspects are now facing felony theft charges after they allegedly planned to steal more than $5,000 worth of merchandise. (Source southernminn.com)