Please review these nominations and determine their eligibility for recognition based on your opinion, on a scale of 1-5.
This can be as a comparison to the other nominees -or- solely based on the nomination (meaning, you may note “5” for more than one).
Suggestion: Write down your responses 1-5 and vote for all at the end. This will make it go the fastest. :)
Retail Upcoming Investigator of the Year
1.
Overview:
This investigator transformed a store-level position into a regional investigative force multiplier. Their leadership, initiative, and ability to connect people and cases across jurisdictions have made them one of the most reliable and respected investigators in their region.
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This investigator represents the future of organized retail crime prevention. While serving as a store-level asset protection investigator, their reach and influence extend far beyond their assigned store. They have transformed their position into a regional force multiplier—supporting large-scale investigations, connecting offenders across jurisdictions, and driving meaningful collaboration between their company, law enforcement, and other retailers. Their professionalism and investigative skill have elevated both their market’s performance and the investigative standards of their peers.
As the organized retail crime captain for their market, this investigator plays a key role in supporting regional and global ORC teams. They contribute actionable intelligence, link repeat offenders across stores, and consistently bring new insights to regional intelligence calls. Unlike many at the store level, they are routinely prepared with live cases to present, identifying cross-market offenders and sharing theft trends that help prevent future incidents. Their input often sparks follow-up investigations across multiple locations, making them one of the most reliable sources of field-level intelligence in the region.
One of their standout achievements was uncovering a $100,000-plus trading-card theft ring that spanned several jurisdictions. What began as a single suspicious incident quickly evolved into a complex investigation after they noticed overlapping behaviors and subjects across multiple stores. Through patient analysis and communication, they connected the dots, partnered with law enforcement, and worked closely with retail stakeholders outside their company to piece together the full scope of the operation. The result was a comprehensive, multi-agency case package that exposed a well-organized theft and resale network operating across the region.
Their professionalism extends beyond casework. Recognizing a gap in law enforcement’s understanding of retail theft trends, they developed and delivered a training session for local police officers focused on organized retail crime tactics, fencing operations, and how to identify suspects linked to broader networks. The presentation was so well received that the Chief of Police personally requested a full-department training. This level of respect from law enforcement speaks to the investigator’s credibility, knowledge, and communication skill.
They also stand out for their constant drive to improve systems and processes. They took initiative to refine evidence documentation, enhance video-retention standards, and improve how intelligence is shared across stores. These efforts strengthened case continuity, reduced the risk of evidence loss, and helped build stronger prosecutions. Their innovative mindset has influenced how peers manage investigations, turning routine documentation into a strategic component of their company’s broader ORC response.
What makes them truly exceptional is the combination of humility, curiosity, and relentless consistency. They are often the first to volunteer for difficult cases, the first to support a colleague, and the first to recognize emerging patterns others might overlook. They continually seek new learning opportunities through advanced training, internal development, and collaboration with senior investigators. Every year, they raise their own standard of excellence and inspire others to do the same.
They embody the best of their company’s values—accountability, collaboration, and innovation. They have proven that one investigator with vision and commitment can influence an entire region. Their work ethic, leadership, and ability to connect people and cases across markets make them a deserving nominee for Investigator of the Year.
2.
Overview:
This investigator built a top-performing team, mentored multiple future leaders, and led major organized retail crime and fraud investigations. Their tactical execution, communication, and leadership have elevated investigative performance across their market and region.
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Since the inception of their market’s organized retail crime program, this investigator has set the gold standard for leadership, initiative, and measurable results. As the ORC captain for their region, they consistently deliver outcomes that reduce loss, enhance efficiency, and strengthen cross-functional partnerships.
This investigator has been instrumental in building a top-performing asset protection team at their store. Under their leadership, the team has grown into one of the most effective in the company—ranked among the best nationally and regionally. Their ability to identify talent, develop skills, and foster a culture of accountability and performance is evident in the team’s sustained excellence.
They also served as acting operations coach for over a year, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to supporting the business when needed most.
Beyond their own accomplishments, this investigator has made a measurable impact through mentorship. One of their mentees went on to join the ORC team under their guidance and earned consecutive quarterly impact awards. This dedication to developing others reflects their long-term vision and value to the organization.
This investigator led a complex takedown of an ORC ring operating across several jurisdictions, involving more than a dozen individuals and over $75,000 in confirmed merchandise losses. The group exploited vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction, coercing them into theft. Partnering with state and local law enforcement, the investigator helped dismantle the operation completely—an outcome that protected both the company and the community.
They are also spearheading a multi-market, multi-state investigation into an advanced fraud scheme involving fraudulent mobile-checkout transactions. With $23,000 in confirmed loss within their market and $43,000 across other divisions, they have partnered directly with corporate leadership and federal authorities to address systemic vulnerabilities. Their initiative is helping design new methods to track abandoned carts and close fraud loopholes.
This investigator maintains constant communication with other leaders in their market, fostering a unified approach to loss prevention. Their dependability, professionalism, and action-oriented mindset have made them the go-to expert for ORC response.
3.
Overview:
This investigator ensures every jurisdiction remains informed and aligned on organized retail crime cases. Their proactive communication and coordination across markets have strengthened prosecutions and kept offenders accountable.
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This investigator is deeply focused on organized retail crime and vigilantly tracks cases, keeping not only their market but surrounding regions informed. They maintain clear communication with peers and investigators in other states, ensuring collaboration and awareness on active cases. When a suspect is apprehended elsewhere, they immediately notify affected stores so that charges can be filed quickly and effectively. Their follow-through prevents gaps in prosecution and demonstrates exceptional ownership of their cases. This investigator’s commitment extends far beyond a typical investigative role, showcasing true passion for justice and partnership in combating retail crime.
4.
Overview:
This investigator’s rapid development and immediate impact demonstrate exceptional promise in organized retail crime prevention. In less than a year, they delivered results normally expected from a seasoned investigator, uncovering dozens of ORC events and supporting a federal financial crime investigation.
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This investigator joined their company’s asset protection investigations team in January and quickly proved to be an extraordinary addition. In just nine months, they identified 38 organized retail crime events totaling more than $25,000 in losses, directly recovering over $19,000 through proactive investigations and coordination with law enforcement.
Among their most notable contributions was their assistance in a high-level federal case involving treasury check fraud. Working closely with federal agents, this investigator provided evidence and analysis that helped uncover a $1-million-plus fraud scheme. Their detailed documentation, communication, and responsiveness enabled federal partners to connect retail-level activity to broader financial crimes.
Their ability to recognize patterns, build partnerships, and think analytically beyond store walls has accelerated both their own growth and the effectiveness of their market’s investigative efforts. In under a year, they have proven themselves as a professional of integrity, intelligence, and exceptional potential—an emerging leader in organized retail crime investigations.
Retail ORC Investigator of the Year
1.
Overview:
This investigator’s tenacity, precision, and collaborative spirit have connected multi-jurisdictional theft crews to fencing operations and led to measurable results. Their commitment to partnership and continuous improvement has made them a trusted regional asset.
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This investigator has quickly distinguished themselves as one of the most promising new investigators in organized retail crime prevention. As an ORC investigator for their company, they demonstrate the initiative, curiosity, and collaboration that define excellence in this field. Despite working within a relatively new program, their impact already extends far beyond their assigned region, earning them a reputation among peers and law enforcement as a proactive, reliable, and dedicated partner.
Their greatest strength lies in tenacity and willingness to act. They never hesitate to join complex investigations or support partner agencies. Whether conducting surveillance, pursuing investigative leads, or sharing intelligence across retailers, this investigator ensures that no opportunity for prevention or prosecution is missed. Their meticulous attention to detail has been critical in linking theft crews, identifying trends, and uncovering fencing operations.
They treat every case as an opportunity to learn and improve, actively seeking feedback and collaboration with seasoned professionals. Their humility, reliability, and analytical mindset have made them an invaluable teammate to both retail and law enforcement partners.
Their work embodies their company’s mission to protect stores, associates, and consumers by identifying and dismantling organized theft activity. They have contributed to multiple successful cases and helped position their team as a trusted regional collaborator in organized retail crime prevention.
In an environment where experience often defines confidence, this investigator stands out for adaptability and purpose-driven work. Intelligent, cooperative, and dedicated to partnership, they represent the next generation of investigative excellence.
2.
Overview:
This investigator’s results-driven approach has advanced major felony-level prosecutions and strengthened cross-sector partnerships across multiple states. Their leadership within regional alliances and consistent collaboration with peers exemplify true investigative professionalism.
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This investigator exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, collaboration, and leadership in organized retail crime investigation. As a field investigator for their company, they have built a reputation across their region as a trusted and consistent partner to law enforcement, prosecutors, and fellow investigators. Their work is defined by meaningful outcomes that protect consumers, dismantle fencing operations, and safeguard the retail supply chain.
They approach every case with integrity and methodical precision, using intelligence-driven leads to identify and escalate organized theft activity. Their investigations have consistently produced felony-level prosecutions and fostered multi-jurisdictional coordination among agencies.
A hallmark of their work is the commitment to intelligence sharing. This investigator routinely collaborates with retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to ensure every case benefits from collective insight rather than isolated efforts. Their coordination across private and public sectors has strengthened trust and streamlined communication channels.
Beyond investigative work, they have served in leadership roles within regional organized retail crime alliances, dedicating significant time to expanding membership, ensuring information flow, and elevating operational standards. This leadership has been instrumental in building regional unity among hundreds of investigators and officers.
Their professionalism and ethical approach have earned broad respect throughout the industry, as reflected in prior recognition from state retail associations for investigative excellence.
This investigator’s initiative, consistency, and selfless collaboration embody what the Retail ORC Investigator of the Year Award represents—measurable results achieved through teamwork, ethics, and genuine commitment to protecting communities.
Law Enforcement Investigator of the Year
1.
Overview:
This investigator transformed a single local lead into a multi-suspect, nationwide financial crime case. Their persistence, analytical precision, and partnership with the retail community exemplify investigative excellence and public-private collaboration.
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This investigator demonstrated outstanding initiative, technical skill, and partnership in an investigation that began with one small lead and evolved into a large-scale criminal enterprise affecting retailers and consumers nationwide. Their persistence and analytical ability turned what appeared to be a minor theft into a major fraud case that protected both the retail industry and the public from widespread losses.
The investigation began after reports that individuals were removing blank gift cards from store displays. Though the cards had no value at the time, this investigator recognized the potential for organized criminal activity. Using license plate reader data, they identified a suspect vehicle, tracked its interstate movement, and revealed a coordinated theft pattern.
Working with retail investigators, the investigator discovered that offenders were stealing inactive gift cards, capturing the numbers, and later draining legitimate customer funds after activation. Arrests and searches yielded hundreds of compromised cards and digital evidence in multiple languages confirming the scheme. Further analysis linked the suspects to a larger conspiracy that defrauded victims across multiple states.
The investigator brought in federal partners to explore potential international connections, ultimately leading to charges, deportations, and prevention of additional financial harm. Their leadership, collaboration, and technical skill demonstrated how one local case can evolve into a high-impact national prosecution when retail and law enforcement work together.
2.
Overview:
This investigator demonstrated unmatched professionalism, empathy, and perseverance in leading their jurisdiction’s first major organized retail theft prosecution. Their work under a new state statute created a model for future enforcement efforts.
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This investigator has distinguished themselves as one of the most forward-thinking law enforcement partners in organized retail crime prevention. Their ability to combine investigative skill, legal understanding, and compassion for community impact set a new standard for public-private collaboration.
When retail investigators from multiple major companies presented evidence of a long-running fencing operation, this investigator immediately recognized the broader implications. The fence was exploiting vulnerable individuals, trading stolen goods for cash and worsening addiction and poverty in the community. Instead of treating it as a routine property crime, the investigator saw the opportunity to use a newly enacted organized retail theft statute to hold the offenders fully accountable.
They met regularly with retail investigators from several companies, reviewed evidence, and coordinated strategy with prosecutors. Their openness, humility, and respect for private-sector expertise built trust and established a true joint investigative model.
To build a strong evidentiary foundation, they combined field interviews, intelligence platforms, and license plate data to track offenders and prove the fence’s role in knowingly trafficking stolen goods. Their documentation and articulation of probable cause were instrumental in securing prosecution under the new statute.
The case culminated in felony convictions for organized retail theft, money laundering, and related charges. Over $40,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to retailers, and the fencing operation was permanently shut down. This success became a template for future prosecutions statewide, proving the statute’s value and demonstrating how law enforcement can dismantle criminal enterprises through partnership and precision.
3.
Overview:
This investigator took a fragmented multi-state return-fraud case and elevated it into a federal-level prosecution. Their analytical depth and persistence turned a scattered investigation into a model of cross-jurisdictional coordination.
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This investigator exemplifies the persistence and data-driven approach required to dismantle complex organized retail crime networks. They took the lead in a multi-state return-fraud investigation involving offenders who traveled through more than a dozen states conducting fraudulent returns of defective electronics.
The offenders replaced original merchandise with damaged products and repeatedly returned items for full refunds, reselling the authentic goods for profit. Retailers estimated $700,000 in provable losses and over $5 million in total impact.
When the case initially lacked sufficient evidence for federal adoption, this investigator stepped in to develop the missing linkages. They executed multiple search warrants for communication records, location data, and online listings, connecting digital transactions to physical crimes. Their precise analytical mapping of suspect travel and coordination proved the conspiracy’s continuity across state lines.
Through multiple case conferences and presentations, this investigator successfully secured federal adoption of the case—a rare outcome for organized retail crime. Their professionalism, detailed work product, and ability to communicate complex findings clearly earned praise from leadership and prosecutors alike. This case became an example of how methodical local work can achieve national impact.
4.
Overview:
This investigator pursued a complex regional theft series that began as a single break-in and evolved into a multi-jurisdictional organized crime case. Their persistence and technical work set the standard for investigative follow-through.
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This investigator demonstrated exceptional dedication in managing a challenging case involving masked suspects who targeted secured merchandise displays and stole tens of thousands of dollars in electronics. While initially assigned a single local incident, the investigator quickly recognized a broader regional trend and took ownership of developing a coordinated response.
They executed multiple search warrants, analyzed digital and phone records, and collaborated with corporate investigators to build suspect profiles and link cases across jurisdictions. Despite balancing other major case responsibilities, this investigator maintained continuous engagement, attended prosecutorial meetings, and shared timely intelligence updates that strengthened related investigations statewide.
Their persistence and professionalism ensured that offenders were identified and charged under new organized retail theft laws, turning what began as a local crime into a statewide collaborative success.
5.
Overview:
This officer’s proactive community engagement and tireless pursuit of organized retail offenders have significantly reduced theft and improved retailer trust. Their collaboration and professionalism have strengthened local retail partnerships and outcomes.
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This officer has demonstrated exceptional dedication and partnership in combating organized retail crime. Through proactive patrol, investigative follow-up, and strong relationships with retailers, they have built trust that has resulted in greater intelligence sharing and more effective case outcomes.
They have spent countless hours following leads, collecting evidence, and executing arrests that have directly disrupted organized theft activity in their area. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and pride in their work have made a lasting impact on local business safety.
Their approach is marked by empathy and communication—taking the time to understand retailers’ challenges while maintaining the integrity and thoroughness expected of law enforcement. Their work has become a model for effective collaboration between police and the private sector.
6.
Overview:
This investigator’s leadership in dismantling an international fencing operation has made a lasting impact across multiple states. Their communication, coordination, and strategic skill continue to elevate standards for partnership and case success.
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This investigator has set the benchmark for collaborative investigation through their leadership in exposing and dismantling an international fencing network responsible for tens of millions of dollars in stolen goods. Their tireless coordination with retail investigators, federal partners, and local agencies was instrumental in identifying key players, tracing financial activity, and building the case for federal prosecution.
They are known across the investigative community for proactive communication, transparency, and a team-first mentality. Their efforts not only disrupted a massive criminal enterprise but also strengthened industry-wide collaboration. They remain a trusted ally to retailers and investigators across multiple states, embodying what true partnership looks like in the fight against organized retail crime.
7.
Overview:
This investigator independently uncovered a counterfeit goods trafficking ring that expanded into a federal counterfeit import case. Their initiative and follow-through led to multi-agency seizures and major consumer protection outcomes.
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This investigator, assigned to a shopping center unit, identified a trademark violation involving counterfeit collectibles being sold from mall kiosks. Through meticulous comparison of legitimate and counterfeit products, they gathered evidence, obtained confessions, and executed search warrants that recovered over 100 fake items.
Further research revealed broader import activity linked to the same offenders. The investigator partnered with federal agents, leading to the interception of counterfeit shipments valued at nearly $20,000. Their independent initiative, use of open-source data, and coordination with customs officials led to multiple arrests and the seizure of imported counterfeit goods, protecting both consumers and retailers from fraudulent products.
8.
Overview:
This investigator stands out for relentless engagement, cross-agency communication, and willingness to assist in every stage of organized retail crime investigations. Their dedication has improved both community safety and interagency efficiency.
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This investigator has become one of the most dependable and engaged law enforcement partners in the regional retail crime community. They consistently respond to information requests, assist with identifications, and proactively notify retailers of emerging organized theft trends.
Their initiative extends beyond formal casework—they frequently alert investigators to new leads and coordinate intelligence across departments. This collaboration has improved case efficiency and helped create safer commercial environments. Their dedication and partnership exemplify the spirit of public-private teamwork that drives organized retail crime reduction.
9.
Overview:
This investigator’s detailed, multi-state pursuit of a prolific offender led to an arrest and recovery of thousands in stolen goods. Their persistence and cross-jurisdictional coordination exemplify investigative excellence.
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This investigator specializes in retail theft investigations within a busy shopping district. They began tracking a suspect following a theft of high-end cosmetics and, through video review and vehicle tracing, identified the offender and coordinated surveillance across several malls.
The case expanded across multiple states, requiring coordination with police and retail teams in several jurisdictions. The investigator’s consistent communication and real-time intelligence updates led to the arrest of the primary suspect and the recovery of over $7,000 in stolen merchandise.
Their persistence and professionalism turned a single theft report into a multi-state case that resulted in multiple felony charges and disrupted a regional theft ring.
10.
Overview:
This investigator identified and apprehended a network conducting sophisticated mobile-payment fraud. Their use of digital forensics and federal collaboration advanced understanding of emerging organized retail crime tactics.
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This investigator demonstrated exceptional skill in analyzing complex “tap-to-pay” fraud cases targeting luxury retail stores. They identified multiple offenders using fraudulent mobile payment apps to coordinate thefts, then worked with federal partners to trace associated devices and transactions.
Their work not only resulted in arrests and product seizures but also informed a broader investigative strategy on transnational organized crime patterns. Their persistence and technical acumen continue to advance the fight against digital-enabled organized retail theft.
11.
Overview:
This officer’s commitment to partnership, communication, and proactive investigation has significantly advanced their jurisdiction’s success in combating organized retail crime. Their work has fostered stronger relationships between law enforcement and retailers while producing measurable enforcement outcomes.
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This investigator consistently demonstrates professionalism, collaboration, and initiative in investigating organized retail theft and fraud. They have taken a leadership role in promoting awareness of organized retail crime among their peers and community partners, encouraging a shared sense of responsibility between law enforcement and retailers.
Their investigative work has produced successful outcomes across multiple cases, each characterized by detailed follow-through and clear communication with victims and retail investigators. They have also been instrumental in coordinating meetings between local businesses and law enforcement, ensuring crime trends are shared quickly and efficiently.
Their balance of strong field performance and relationship-building has made them a trusted and respected point of contact for both the retail community and fellow officers. They exemplify the qualities of modern policing—awareness, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of justice.
Law Enforcement Team of the Year
1.
Overview:
This specialized unit has become a model for community-focused policing in a high-traffic commercial district. Through proactive enforcement, community engagement, and successful ORC investigations, the team has significantly improved public safety and retailer confidence.
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The Business Improvement District Unit, under strong supervisory leadership, has established a reputation for effective policing in one of the busiest retail areas within their jurisdiction. The unit’s officers maintain a visible, proactive presence that deters crime and promotes safety in commercial spaces with dense foot traffic and frequent public events.
Over the past year, the team served nearly 100 warrants connected to retail-related offenses, including multiple felonies. Their efforts have led to measurable reductions in theft and disorder, including a 42% drop in juvenile-related incidents within key retail establishments.
Beyond patrol duties, the unit works closely with specialized divisions to dismantle illicit operations ranging from fencing schemes to unlicensed businesses. They recently partnered with investigators to execute a search warrant at a retail pawn operation that resulted in felony charges for money laundering, organized retail crime, and receiving stolen property.
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the team’s success. Members regularly participate in safety events, anti-bullying programs, and local celebrations, building relationships with businesses and residents alike. Their balanced approach of enforcement and outreach has transformed a high-risk commercial area into a safer and more connected community.
2.
Overview:
This specialized retail crimes unit has become a regional model for proactive policing, with over 800 criminal charges filed and hundreds of arrests made in a single year. Their sustained focus on organized retail theft has made their shopping district one of the safest in the region.
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The Shopping Center Unit in this department has consistently delivered outstanding results in preventing and investigating organized retail crime. Through persistent patrol and intelligence-driven operations, the team has disrupted numerous theft groups, recovered stolen vehicles, and made hundreds of arrests.
Through the most recent reporting period, the team recorded over 480 arrests and filed more than 860 criminal charges, including nearly 200 felonies. These results reflect not only operational efficiency but a deep understanding of repeat offender behavior in retail environments.
Despite staffing challenges, this unit maintains high visibility and responsiveness, which has dramatically reduced organized theft and related property crimes in their jurisdiction. Their open collaboration with retailers and integration of analytical tools have made them indispensable partners in combating organized theft. The results speak for themselves—safer shopping centers, better retailer relationships, and strong trust between public and private stakeholders.
3.
Overview:
This rural department demonstrated extraordinary tenacity and cross-jurisdictional cooperation by extraditing a prolific organized retail theft offender across state lines. Their decisive action resulted in multiple convictions and restitution opportunities across several regions.
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This sheriff’s department took decisive action in a multi-state organized retail theft case involving a prolific offender responsible for widespread theft of health and personal care products. When notified of the offender’s activities, the department quickly initiated extradition proceedings, ultimately arresting the subject as they attempted to leave the country.
The department’s willingness to pursue a property crime case with full extradition demonstrated an uncommon level of commitment and partnership with retail investigators. Their actions led to successful prosecution for grand larceny and opened the door for multiple jurisdictions to file additional charges and seek restitution.
This proactive stance against organized retail crime set an example of how smaller agencies can make a significant regional impact through collaboration and perseverance.
ORC Case of the Year
1.
Overview:
NOMINATED 2 TIMES
This groundbreaking case exposed and dismantled an international fencing network trafficking millions in stolen health and beauty merchandise. It became a national model for public-private collaboration in combating organized retail crime.
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This case represents a landmark investigation into international organized retail crime and one of the most significant public-private partnerships in recent years. The case was led jointly by investigators from a local police department, a federal agency, and multiple retail investigators working across the Mid-Atlantic. Together, they uncovered a fencing network trafficking stolen health and beauty products worth more than $2 million annually.
The investigation began when retail investigators identified a regional fence purchasing stolen merchandise from booster crews operating across several states. The stolen goods were consolidated, packaged, and shipped overseas for resale. Retail teams shared surveillance, theft data, and transaction records with law enforcement, providing the foundation for formal criminal investigation and subsequent federal adoption.
Multiple search warrants executed on residential and storage properties uncovered over $250,000 in stolen merchandise still in original packaging. Agents and investigators linked the goods to thefts reported across multiple states, proving the organized movement of stolen property across state and national borders.
The case resulted in federal charges against three primary suspects for conspiracy and interstate trafficking. It also disrupted an international criminal supply chain, reclaimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in product, and established a framework for future cross-border investigations.
This case demonstrated that organized retail theft is far from a victimless crime—it undermines legitimate commerce, exploits vulnerable people, and finances criminal enterprises. The case’s success stands as a defining example of how coordinated partnerships between retailers and law enforcement can dismantle even the most sophisticated criminal networks.
2.
Overview:
This case marked the first successful prosecution under a new organized retail theft statute in VA. It exposed not just a major fencing operation but also the exploitation of vulnerable people through addiction and manipulation.
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This investigation represents a historic moment in the state’s fight against organized retail crime. Over nearly two years, retail investigators and law enforcement officers collaborated to dismantle a large fencing operation that purchased stolen goods from individuals struggling with addiction, reselling them online for profit.
The joint effort was driven by a unified goal—to hold the fence accountable for both financial and human exploitation. Retail investigators from multiple companies conducted months of surveillance, tracked deliveries, and assembled evidence that tied booster crews directly to the fencing location.
When presented to law enforcement, the assigned investigator recognized the opportunity to use the newly enacted organized retail theft statute. They secured search warrants, interviewed participants, and built the case to prosecutorial standard, demonstrating that the fence knowingly trafficked in stolen goods.
The case led to felony convictions for organized retail theft and money laundering, with more than $40,000 in stolen merchandise recovered. Beyond its immediate success, the case validated the power of the new law and provided a roadmap for prosecutors statewide. It also underscored the human cost of organized retail crime and the importance of law enforcement compassion toward vulnerable offenders manipulated by fencing operations.
3.
Overview:
This case highlights classic, detail-oriented policing that ended a months-long multi-jurisdictional theft spree. The team’s coordination and persistence led to the capture of a repeat offender with dozens of outstanding warrants.
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This case began with a simple traffic stop and evolved into the arrest of a prolific organized retail theft offender responsible for repeated thefts across several states. The offender small appliances and frozen drink machines, committing over a dozen thefts valued at more than $10,000.
Officers identified the suspect through multiple vehicles and rental records, coordinated surveillance with other jurisdictions, and connected her to additional outstanding warrants across multiple states.
During the final encounter, officers conducted a vehicle stop, confirmed the suspect’s identity, and recovered evidence linking her to several thefts. The arrest ended a months-long crime spree and led to multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, and possession of burglary tools.
This investigation serves as a reminder that old-fashioned police work—attention to detail, persistence, and cross-agency communication—remains the foundation of effective organized retail crime enforcement.
4.
NOMINATED 2 TIMES
Overview:
This case represents a landmark example of interagency collaboration across retail, federal, and local partners. It dismantled a multimillion-dollar fraud enterprise involving both financial crimes and product diversion that endangered public health.
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Operation Dual Fraud stands as one of the most impactful multi-agency investigations in recent years, combining the efforts of federal agents, analysts, local detectives, and retail investigators to expose a complex dual-scheme operation. The case uncovered two overlapping crimes: a nationwide gift-card fraud targeting elderly victims and a baby-formula ticket-switching scheme that compromised consumer safety.
The investigation began when federal agents received reports of a suspect involved in a phone-scam network that defrauded elderly victims by coercing them into purchasing retail gift cards and sending the codes to scammers. These cards were used to purchase electronics, which were then shipped to criminal associates. Losses from the access-device fraud exceeded $1.1 million.
Concurrently, retail investigators identified a second pattern involving ticket-switching of baby formula, where counterfeit price tags were used to purchase large containers at the lower price of smaller cans. This scheme caused confirmed losses of $124,000 and introduced health risks by placing improperly stored formula back into the consumer market.
The combined financial impact exceeded $1.25 million. Working together, the investigative team traced transactions, executed search warrants, and linked both schemes to a single suspect acting under the direction of a fencing network in another state. Despite challenges—including the suspect’s premature incarceration and attempt to flee the country—investigators secured the individual’s cooperation, leading to valuable testimony against higher-level participants.
The suspect ultimately pled guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit access-device and wire fraud. Federal agents, analysts, local detectives, and retail investigators each played critical roles: analysts developed comprehensive financial and digital linkages; local investigators conducted key interviews and secured the suspect’s phone; federal officers built immigration and fraud cases to ensure removal following conviction.
The operation continues to generate leads against upstream fencing operations handling stolen baby formula and fraudulently obtained electronics. Its adjudication established precedent for future cases by demonstrating how organized retail theft, consumer product fraud, and elder-targeted financial crime can intersect.
This case exemplifies the power of public-private teamwork, data sharing, and coordinated enforcement. It disrupted a criminal enterprise spanning multiple states, protected vulnerable citizens from exploitation, and prevented compromised baby formula from re-entering the marketplace—achieving measurable public-safety impact and setting a new investigative standard.
5.
Overview:
This investigation exposed an international counterfeit-currency ring operating across multiple retail chains. The case’s success was driven by seamless collaboration between local deputies and federal agents, resulting in the conviction of four foreign nationals and the dismantling of a high-volume counterfeit distribution network.
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In November 2024, a sergeant with a county sheriff’s office, who also serves as a Homeland Security Investigations task-force officer, initiated a traffic stop that would uncover a large-scale counterfeit-currency operation. Four foreign nationals were detained after deputies received intelligence linking at least one suspect to passing counterfeit U.S. currency, purchasing merchandise, and then returning the goods for genuine cash refunds.
The stop led to the arrest of all four suspects and the seizure of more than $8,000 in counterfeit notes. During post-arrest interviews conducted by the sergeant and a federal special agent, investigators identified ties to an international supplier responsible for distributing hundreds of thousands of forged bills across multiple states.
The group specifically targeted national retailers, using counterfeit notes to acquire legitimate products from stores including major general-merchandise and cosmetics chains. The offenders laundered the proceeds through returns and cash conversions, creating significant losses across retail partners.
Comprehensive coordination between local and federal authorities transformed what began as a single traffic stop into a far-reaching financial crime case. The investigation established evidentiary links between the suspects and an overseas production network, leading to felony convictions for money laundering and possession of forged bank notes. Each of the four offenders received a ten-year prison sentence.
This case demonstrates the critical impact of alert, proactive policing and cross-agency collaboration. By connecting frontline patrol work with federal investigative resources, the team not only achieved justice but also disrupted a sophisticated international counterfeiting pipeline that had victimized multiple retailers and communities.