Bloomington Family Charged in Organized Retail Crime Scheme
In a significant legal development, Edwin Pierce, 65, Kathleen Pierce, 58, and their son, Everson Pierce, 28, from Bloomington, Illinois, face serious charges for allegedly running a large-scale organized retail crime enterprise through several pawn shops in central Illinois.
The Allegations Against the Pierce Family
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office has charged the Pierce family and additional accomplices in connection with a multi-location organized retail crime operation. The suspects allegedly purchased stolen goods such as electronics, tools, and gaming equipment at a fraction of their market value, intending to resell them online for a profit.
The operations were conducted at various Monster Pawn and Midwest Exchange locations, including those in Springfield and Bloomington, Illinois. From November 2023 to July 2024, the group allegedly procured merchandise by exploiting retail theft schemes. The Pierce family, along with pawn shop employees, are accused of manipulating the legal process by misrepresenting stolen goods as legitimate, thus bypassing the system meant to protect both consumers and businesses.
Charges Against the Pierce Family
Edwin Pierce faces multiple serious charges, including the organization of a continuing financial crimes enterprise, which carries a potential 30-year prison sentence. He is also charged with theft, money laundering, and organized retail crime.
Everson Pierce is accused of similar crimes, including being a manager of organized retail crime, while his mother, Kathleen, faces misdemeanor charges of theft under $500.
In addition to the Pierce family, four others were charged, including Thomas O’Donnell, Steven Mileham, Jessica Cloyd, and Carter Walker. They face various felony and misdemeanor charges related to theft, money laundering, and organized retail crime.
What This Means for Illinois Consumers
The Pierce family’s alleged actions highlight the risks consumers face with organized retail crime, which is becoming an increasing problem for businesses and the general public. Retail theft operations often target high-value items that can easily be resold online, making it difficult for the average shopper to detect stolen goods.
The Illinois Attorney General’s office continues to urge residents to report suspicious activity to help prevent such crimes from impacting the community.
As these charges proceed, the individuals involved will face their day in court, where sentences will be determined based on the severity of their actions.
Conclusion
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in both retail and consumer sectors to combat organized crime. Illinois residents are reminded that their communities should be safeguarded from illegal activities like those allegedly conducted by the Pierce family.
