JACKSON – Authorities have arrested four people who were responsible for several acts of shoplifting across multiple states, as well as incidents at the Jackson Premium Outlets.
The investigation was launched after professional shoplifting rings targeted the area. As a result, Jackson Police was on site daily.
Authorities soon identified an out of state professional shoplifting group out of Baltimore, Maryland, which in the past have committing numerous acts of shoplifting in many states. According to police, they are responsible for almost $60,000 in stolen items from Jackson Premium Outlets alone.
On October 29, officers were alerted that the suspects may be in the area. The suspect vehicle was positively identified by officers, with four people inside the car.
After exiting the Under Armour store, officers confronted the suspects who tried to flee officers and resist arrest. During this time, one suspect assaulted a Good Samaritan who was trying to assist law enforcement by trying to stop a suspect from getting away.
All four suspects were arrested and transported the police department for processing. The vehicle they were operating was towed from the scene and transported to headquarters where SEU would be making application for a search warrant for said vehicle.
Anthony Jones, D’Arnajai Raheem, Shontaz Wingate and Veronica Motes were all charged with the following: Organized Retail Theft Enterprise Shoplifting; Shoplifting; Obstruction; and Hindering Apprehension.
Additionally, Veronica Motes was also charged with Robbery. All four were lodged at Ocean County Jail in lieu of their charges.
The public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
