Georgia Retail Theft Ring Busted: 11 Suspects Face RICO Charges Over $200K in Stolen Goods
Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr announced that 11 suspects face RICO and other charges for allegedly running a multistate retail theft scheme. The group targeted 10 national retailers between October 2022 and September 2026, including Home Depot, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Floor & Decor, Bath & Body Works, Sunglass Hut, DTLR, Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Great American Jewelers.
The thefts spanned 11 Georgia counties, as well as store locations in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia. Prosecutors allege the group made off with luxury goods ranging from Rolex watches and gold jewelry to power tools, high-end electronics, designer sunglasses, and perfume, then resold them on Meta platforms like Instagram.
The 11 defendants have been identified as Shawntavius Shanell Butler, Rashamel Okuise Gardner, Eugene Edward Sibert, Lakytra Marie Gardner, Jasmonique Lavon Franklin, Deaunbrey Antonio Gardner, Dominique A. Giles Jr., Zyquie Hakeem Gardner, Javari Javontay Romain Larry, Shi'heed Ja'mill Small, and Cedric Latroy Gardner.
State officials have not confirmed if all 11 defendants are currently in custody or if outstanding arrest warrants remain active. Confirmed losses exceed $200,000, but the full financial impact across all four states is still being evaluated.