Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of seven individuals involved in an organized retail theft ring that targeted beauty and fragrance products across several Florida counties. The investigation, led by the Office of Statewide Prosecution along with multiple sheriff’s offices and police departments, found that the group was responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in losses to retailers from late 2024 through the summer of 2025.
“This was a coordinated criminal enterprise that robbed retailers across Florida and turned stolen goods into illicit proceeds,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect Florida businesses, keep prices low for consumers, and quickly dismantle organized retail theft rings from the ground up.”
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz commented on the broader impact: “Organized retail theft is not just about stolen merchandise, it is about coordinated criminal activity that impacts families, small businesses, and our entire community. This investigation demonstrates the strength of our partnerships across jurisdictions and our shared commitment to holding those who engage in organized criminal enterprises accountable. In Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida, we will continue working with our state and local partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and ensure they face the full consequences under the law.”
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek emphasized local efforts: “This case sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in Martin County. These criminals weren’t just stealing merchandise — they were targeting hardworking business owners and ultimately driving up costs for our residents. Through strong partnerships and coordinated statewide prosecution, we are holding these traveling criminals accountable and protecting our community from large-scale retail fraud.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw added: “This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft, no matter how coordinated or far-reaching, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Those who profit from stealing in our communities will be held accountable.”
Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, stated: “Retail theft at all levels is a direct attack on our businesses and communities. I am grateful to the Attorney General James Uthmeier, our law enforcement officers and prosecutors for their relentless pursuit of justice and fierce commitment to dismantle organized retail crime. We stand firmly with Florida’s businesses, they deserve nothing less than full protection under the law.”
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay praised investigative efforts: “I am proud of what our Retail Theft Investigative Task Force has done to quickly deliver results that protect both Florida businesses and consumers. Criminal enterprises don’t worry about jurisdictional barriers, and now we don’t have to, either. Trust that our statewide prosecutors are working hard to track down these professional thieves and lock them up.”
The operation involved agencies such as the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office—with support from Palm Bay Police Department, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators determined that members known as “boosters” traveled between stores including CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Burlington, and Ulta Beauty locations to steal health and beauty supplies. The stolen items were sold to Naychel Jerez in Hialeah who then resold them online using platforms like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace.
A search at Jerez’s residence uncovered nearly $124,000 worth of stolen merchandise along with anti-theft devices removal tools—a cash counting machine—and more than $51,000 in cash.
All defendants are currently held at Martin County Jail facing charges such as conspiracy to commit racketeering; dealing in stolen property; unlawful use of two-way communications devices; among others.
In 2024 Governor DeSantis signed HB 549 increasing penalties for Organized Retail Theft—making repeat offenders eligible for sentences up to 30 years; some defendants could face maximum sentences totaling 80 years.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin and Monique Wilson will prosecute this case in Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
The Florida State Executive Attorney General works statewide providing resources aimed at community safety—including support for seniors and military members—and collaborates with law enforcement through initiatives like Back the Blue Campaign. It also focuses on public service by offering consumer alerts against scams as well as educational programs on fraud prevention.
Law enforcement agencies interested in joining future investigations can contact the Organized Retail Theft Special Investigative Task Force via email at retailtaskforce@myfloridalegal.com.
