Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of seven individuals connected to a large-scale organized retail theft ring that targeted beauty and fragrance products across multiple counties in Florida.
“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 impact of such crimes, stating: “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, also addressed the announcement: “Retail theft at all levels is a direct attack on our businesses and communities. I am grateful to 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 highlighted recent efforts by task forces: “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 investigation was led by the Office of Statewide Prosecution along with sheriff’s offices from Martin County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County; other participating agencies included police departments from Palm Bay and Palm Beach Gardens as well as sheriff’s offices from Sarasota County and St. Lucie County.
Investigators determined that between November 2024 through summer 2025 this organization caused tens of thousands of dollars in losses for retailers throughout southern, central, and western regions of Florida by targeting locations such as CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Burlington, and Ulta Beauty.
Those carrying out shoplifting activities—referred to as “boosters”—traveled among stores filling bags with health and beauty supplies before selling them to Naychel Jerez in Hialeah who then resold items online using platforms like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace.
A search at Jerez’s residence recovered $123,966 worth of stolen goods along with anti-theft devices removal tools; authorities also seized over $51,000 cash.
The following individuals were taken into custody at Martin County Jail:
Naychel Alvarez Jerez (36): conspiracy to commit racketeering; directing dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property; unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
John Kevin Romero (22): conspiracy to commit racketeering; two counts organized retail theft; dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property; unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Josue Rego Romero (29): conspiracy to commit racketeering; two counts organized retail theft; dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property; unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Albert Mario Socorro Alvarez (28): conspiracy to commit racketeering; two counts organized retail theft; dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property; unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Jose Carlos Perez Salgado (30): conspiracy to commit racketeering; organized retail theft; dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property.
Antonio Perez Torres (26): conspiracy to commit racketeering; organized retail theft; dealing in stolen property; conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property.
Lissette Rodriguez (34): conspiracy to commit dealing in stolen property ; unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
In 2024 Governor DeSantis signed HB 549 increasing penalties for Organized Retail Theft making certain repeat offenders eligible for sentences up thirty years imprisonment while some defendants here could face up eighty years if convicted.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin & Monique Wilson will handle prosecution within Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
Law enforcement agencies interested joining specialized task force may contact Office Statewide Prosecution via email at: retailtaskforce@myfloridalegal.com
The Florida State Executive Attorney General works alongside law enforcement through various initiatives aimed at public safety including educational programs against frauds or scams targeting consumers statewide. The office supports community safety with resources tailored for seniors & military members while offering consumer alerts on scams as part its public service mission.
