New Task Force Makes First Arrests in Crackdown on Organized Retail Theft

(PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio) — The recent arrests of two suspected fraudsters mark the first success of a new task force created to thwart organized retail theft, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn and Perrysburg Township Police Chief Matt Gazarek announced today.

“Organized retail theft victimizes the entire marketplace, from the merchants and producers to the consumers who are impacted by rising costs,” Yost said. “And this is just the beginning – kudos to Sheriff Wasylyshyn and Chief Gazarek for spearheading these efforts.”

On May 28, investigators with the Northwest Ohio Regional Retail Crime Task Force arrested James Haley, 30, of Columbus, and Shondel Tyshon Smith, 27, of Reynoldsburg, on fifth-degree felony charges of identity fraud and forgery.

The arrests followed a tip from a local Walmart reporting potential gift card fraud. Investigators arrested the suspects and located multiple gift cards that had been purchased with credit card information belonging to a victim in Florida. Authorities also seized a laptop and several payment cards. The investigation is ongoing.

The task force was established following the enactment of the Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act earlier this year. Among other things, the law, co-written by Yost’s office, authorizes the creation of law enforcement collaboratives to investigate organized retail theft – a crime that costs Ohio businesses upwards of $2 to $3 billion annually.

The crime typically involves groups stealing large amounts of merchandise from multiple stores and selling the items for profit. To offset the losses, some retailers have little choice but to raise prices.

The Northwest Ohio Regional Retail Crime Task Force is formed under the attorney general’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and includes representatives of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and the Perrysburg Township Police Department. 

Partners intricately involved in the establishment of the task force say:

“The Wood County Sheriff's Office is excited to be part of this new task force. We are looking forward to making a serious impact on organized criminals and gangs stealing billions of dollars every year from retail stores across the State of Ohio.” - Mark Wasylyshn, Wood County Sheriff

“The apprehension and arrest of these two individuals is exactly the reason for a task force such as this. Many victims of credit card fraud don't even realize their information has been compromised until it's too late and charges are racked up in schemes like these two were doing. It's our purpose and goal to bring down the fraud organizations that are coming to our area not only from different parts of the state but oftentimes from out of state to commit retail crimes.” - Matt Gazarek, Chief of Perrysburg Township Police Department

“It has been a true honor to lead the charge on the FORCE Act in the Ohio General Assembly. Shortly after the task force’s launch, our dedicated law enforcement officers apprehended two individuals in Wood County in the very act of targeting our retailers. Organized retail crime is a growing menace to our communities, and this task force is a powerful tool to confront and combat it head-on.” - State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari

MEDIA CONTACT:
Steve Irwin: 614-728-5417
 

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