HARRISBURG, PA — Two Philadelphia residents, Jamai Richards, 21, and his father, Donis Richards, 43, have been arrested and charged in connection with a wave of organized retail thefts across southeastern Pennsylvania.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week that the pair face felony charges including corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and other related offenses. The two are believed to be members of the 5th Street Crew, a Philadelphia-based group behind a string of fast, coordinated thefts at major retailers.
Authorities say the group’s “blitz-style” robberies targeted stores such as Nike, Lululemon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s, and Snipes in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties over several months. In one January incident at Snipes, an employee was reportedly assaulted.
“This group terrorized dozens of retailers and their employees with blitz-style thefts that put workers and customers in harm’s way,” said Attorney General Sunday. “Retail theft is not a victimless crime.”
The Philadelphia and Upper Merion Township Police Departments are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are continuing to search for other members of the group.
Both Jamai and Donis Richards were arraigned in Montgomery County, with bail set at $25,000, which had not been posted as of the latest report. A blue Nissan Maxima is suspected to have been used in several thefts.
