Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the arrest of two Palm Beach residents, Caleb Rashaun Frederick and Ne’osha Lasha Taylor, both 29, in connection with an organized retail theft operation. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to address large-scale thefts that impact businesses and consumers in Florida.
According to authorities, between September 3 and November 14, 2025, Frederick and Taylor allegedly carried out more than 40 thefts across Palm Beach and Broward counties. The stolen items were mainly household appliances and laundry products taken from several major retailers including Target, Publix, Walgreens, Dollar General, Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Macy’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and JCPenney. The total value of the merchandise is estimated at $31,000.
The Attorney General stated: “These types of thefts burden Florida’s families by driving up prices as stores try to cover their losses. We are going to prioritize the safety and well-being of law-abiding Floridians by putting thieves behind bars and keeping prices down.”
Investigators allege that Frederick and Taylor worked together during the thefts—one serving as a lookout while the other stole goods—which they later sold on Facebook Marketplace.
Frederick faces charges including one count of Organized Retail Theft, five counts of Dealing in Stolen Property, and one count of False Verification of Ownership. Taylor is charged with one count of Organized Retail Theft and four counts of Dealing in Stolen Property.
If convicted on all charges, Frederick could face up to 95 years in prison while Taylor could face up to 75 years.
The arrests follow the recent creation of the Retail Theft Special Investigative Task Force by Attorney General Uthmeier. This task force enables law enforcement agencies to work under the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s authority for more effective prosecution against repeat offenders by reducing procedural barriers.
The investigation was conducted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Chris Olowin and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Monique Wilson will prosecute the case.
“These arrests come shortly after Attorney General Uthmeier announced the Retail Theft Special Investigative Task Force. The task force allows law enforcement partners to operate under the authority of the Office of Statewide Prosecution, eliminating red tape and enabling prosecutors to bring more serious charges against repeat offenders,” said Uthmeier.
