Attorney General James Uthmeier Charges Four Members of Organized Retail Theft Ring for Stealing More Than $500,000 Worth of Electronics

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is charging four individuals with felony counts of racketeering and grand theft for operating a criminal scheme and stealing more than $500,000 worth of electronics. According to the law enforcement investigation, Giffton St. Abuyn White, Sheldon Beswick Brown, Christopher Palmer, and Samuel Drummond diverted UPS shipments of cellphones and other items en route to T-Mobile stores, stealing the items and then selling the stolen merchandise to a third-party for profit.

"Florida is a law and order state, and we take organized retail theft seriously — if you commit this crime, know that our law enforcement partners will find you," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "I want to thank our Office of Statewide Prosecution for putting this case together and ensuring these criminals will face justice."

The organized retail theft group committed the crimes in the 15th, 17th, and 19th judicial circuits, specifically in Broward, Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties. The defendants caused losses to T-Mobile in excess of $500,000.

All four defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering, one count of organized scheme to defraud $50,000 or more, one count of dealing in stolen property, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. White, Brown, and Drummond are also charged with one count of grand theft greater than $100,000. Palmer is also charged with one count of grand theft greater than $20,000 but less than $100,000. All of the conspiracy to commit racketeering, grand theft in excess of $100,000, and organized scheme to defraud charges are first-degree felonies.

Authorities have arrested White, Palmer, and Brown. The fourth defendant, Drummond, fled the state and has an active warrant.

Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin and Monique Wilson from Attorney General Uthmeier’s OSP will handle the case.

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