Five Suspects Charged in Connection with $71,000 Theft Operation Targeting Multiple Counties across Lehigh Valley and Capitol regions
HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced dozens of charges against five people involved in a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted stores across nine counties spanning a large area in Southeastern and South central Pennsylvania over the course of three months earlier this year.
Marlin Polanco, Malik McDonald, Cartier Hardy, Homario Oldacre, and Lorenzo Walters were charged in Dauphin County with corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and related crimes. Between February 28 and May 30, the group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products from major retailers including Giant, Weis Markets, and Wegmans in 40 documented incidents across nine counties including Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Union, Lehigh, Berks, Chester, and Northumberland. The total value of stolen goods is estimated to be worth more than $71,000.
“These thefts not only impact businesses but also harm our communities by affecting the availability of essential products,” said Attorney General Henry. “The collaboration between my office, multiple district attorneys, and local police departments has been instrumental in fighting for justice. Our commitment is to tackle these crimes head-on to protect our communities from these harmful actions.”
Polanco (19), McDonald (20), and Oldacre (20) are currently in custody. Hardy (20) and Walters (20) have not yet been apprehended.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Kelsey Ashworth and Philip McCarthy of the Organized Retail Crime Unit. All charges are accusations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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