New retail theft task force makes first arrest in Ohio
(WKBN) – A new task force in Ohio aimed at cutting down organized retail theft made its first arrest.
Read next: Fugitive of the Week known to be in local area
A man and woman from the Toledo area were arrested in May following a tip from a Walmart there about gift card theft. An investigation revealed that the pair bought gift cards with credit card information from a victim in Florida.
When they were arrested, police found multiple gift cards and also seized a laptop and several other payment cards.
These types of crimes, along with organized groups stealing large amounts of merchandise, are being targeted by the Ohio Regional Retail Crime Task Force through the recently enacted Fight Organized Retail Crime and Empower Law Enforcement Act, which targets theft rings with stiffer criminal penalties.
The law creates a new felony offense of organized retail theft, with penalties escalating based on the value of the stolen merchandise. It also enhances penalties for repeat offenders, setting a minimum fourth-degree felony charge for thefts committed by individuals who have a felony theft conviction within the previous three years.
Attorney General Dave Yost says Ohio businesses lose upwards of $2 to $3 billion annually in organized retail theft.
The task force works with law enforcement statewide.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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