Pennsylvania ring theft charges announced

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HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry and the Pennsylvania State Police have charged three alleged ringleaders of an organized retail theft ring. The group is accused of stealing merchandise, altering receipts and making fraudulent returns at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls stores, leading to $850,000 in illegal payouts.

The indictment stems from an investigation by the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. Nine people are involved in the fraud and theft scheme, which began in 2022. The alleged leaders, Davon Whitfield, Naima Scott and Zonay Griffin, are charged with, among other things, corrupt organizations, organized shoplifting and forgery.

The criminal enterprise allegedly abused the return policy of TJX Companies, which operates TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense and Sierra. The merchandise was stolen and later returned for store credit, which was used for further purchases and converted into refunds on the defendants’ debit cards.

In total, approximately 1,500 transactions linked to Whitfield, Scott and Griffin raised more than $700,000. Additional members charged include Shakeira Vivan, Miara Armstead, Harry Anderson and Lamar Washington.