ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Two Batavia residents were arrested following a lengthy investigation into what authorities describe as an organized retail theft operation targeting Walmart stores across multiple counties.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office said 41-year-old Kirk A. Thomas and 33-year-old Nevada M. Nichols were arrested on Jan. 12, 2026, in connection with a series of thefts at Walmart locations in Orleans, Genesee, and Monroe counties.
The investigation began on Jan. 6 after approximately $1,400 worth of mostly electronics was stolen from the Albion Walmart. Surveillance footage showed a man and a woman leaving the store in a white BMW without a license plate.
Investigators later determined the same suspects were responsible for additional thefts involving thousands of dollars in merchandise from Walmart stores in Albion, Brockport, Sweden, Batavia, and nearby communities.
According to the sheriff’s office, coordinated efforts involving video analysis, intelligence sharing, and vehicle identification led to the identification of Thomas and Nichols as the suspects.
Both were arrested with assistance from the New York State Police. In Orleans County, they face two counts of conspiracy in the fifth degree, two counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, and one count of enterprise corruption, all stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of organized retail theft.
Authorities noted Thomas has been arrested 48 times previously for similar offenses and has eight prior felony convictions. Additional charges are expected from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
