YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — Four residents from Newport News were arrested in connection with a retail theft ring targeting Walmart and Sam’s Club stores along the East Coast, according to the York Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities are still on the lookout for three additional suspects involved in the operation.
The arrested individuals are identified as Lisa Byrd, Aaron Crane, James Montgomery, and Timothy Ricks. They face multiple charges, including organized retail theft, money laundering, conspiracy to commit felony, and larceny with intent to sell.
The investigation, initiated by Walmart Global in April 2023, uncovered a scheme in which the suspects purchased large TVs, replaced them with broken units, and returned them for refunds. According to Investigator Layne Forrest, the thieves employed careful tactics to ensure the returns appeared legitimate.
“Once they got these devices back in the box trucks, they had packaging material waiting, allowing them to return the items in a manner that made it seem like they hadn’t been opened,” Forrest explained.
The suspects reportedly sold the stolen TVs on Facebook Marketplace. James Montgomery was arrested first on July 1, followed by Aaron Crane on July 6, and Lisa Byrd and Timothy Ricks on July 9.
Deputies are currently searching for Craig Clary, Camrin Council, and Shawn Washington.
Sheriff Ron Montgomery emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, stating, “When companies like Walmart absorb losses in the hundreds of thousands, those costs are ultimately passed down to the average consumer.”
The investigation revealed that Target also suffered losses due to this theft ring, and efforts are underway to explore potential criminal charges related to their involvement.
The sheriff’s office utilized various law enforcement techniques to apprehend the suspects, showcasing a coordinated effort in addressing retail crime.
