Four Men Facing Charges For Organized Retail Theft
Four Maryland men are facing charges for their roles in an organized theft ring. Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced Monday the indictment of four individuals involved in a criminal ring responsible for over $800,000 in thefts across the State of Maryland. The group targeted numerous retail stores across six counties. They are accused of committing a series of 37 thefts using flash mob-style tactics to overwhelm store employees and steal valuable goods.
The defendants are facing multiple charges. These include:
- Participation in a criminal organization
- Theft of over $100,000
- Conspiracy to commit theft
- Second-degree burglary
The suspects allegedly have a lengthy history of committing similar crimes. Many if not all of the suspects are already on probation for similar conduct, according to authorities. This conduct allegedly goes back years.
The thefts, which began in September 2023, spanned a range of counties from across the state.
Participation in a criminal organization (Maryland law)
Maryland Criminal Code Section 9-804 defines the crime of participation in a criminal organization. According to the law,
(a) A person may not:
(1) participate in a criminal organization knowing that the members of the criminal organization engage in a pattern of organized crime activity; and
(2) knowingly and willfully direct or participate in an underlying crime, or act by a juvenile that would be an underlying crime if committed by an adult, committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization.
(b) A criminal organization or an individual belonging to a criminal organization may not:
(1) receive proceeds known to have been derived directly or indirectly from an underlying crime; and
(2) use or invest, directly or indirectly, an aggregate of $10,000 or more of the proceeds from an underlying crime in:(i) the acquisition of a title to, right to, interest in, or equity in real property; or(ii) the establishment or operation of any enterprise.
This statute is mostly aimed at punishing gang members for their involvement in gang-related activity. However, those who commit organized retail theft can also be charged under the statute. The statute makes it unlawful for any individual to knowingly participate in a criminal enterprise knowing that the members of the group participate in organized crime activity. An individual who is convicted under this statute can face a maximum sentence of 15 years or a fine of up to $1 million. If their participation in the crime results in the death of a victim, they can face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison or a fine of $5 million.
Talk to a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Schlaich & Thompson represent the interests of defendants who have been charged with serious crimes in the State of Maryland. Call our Bel Air criminal lawyers today to schedule a consultation, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
Source:
wusa9.com/article/news/crime/men-indicted-for-retail-theft-ring-in-maryland/65-9b4f12cb-6315-4145-b8fa-385070dffe64
