Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced this week that three men were arrested on first- and second-degree felony burglary charges for their role in an organized retail theft scheme in which they allegedly stole hundreds of sneakers valued at more than $70,000 from athletic footwear stores across Florida and Georgia.
“Florida law enforcement and our statewide prosecutors are taking the fight against retail theft to the next level,” Uthmeier said. “We will leverage all necessary tools to keep prices low for Floridians and create an environment that allows businesses to thrive.”
According to the attorney general's office, Herbert Davis III, Michael McCray, and Tyrone Howard burglarized various athletic shoe stores at the Jensen Beach Mall on October 21, 2025, a Georgia mall on November 7, 2025, and the Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach on November 17, 2025.
Both the Martin County Sheriff's Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution led the investigation.
The men were also allegedly captured on security video climbing a ladder to reach the roof of the mall before cutting a hole in the ceiling to enter the store from above to complete the heist.
Per a release, Davis III, McCray, and Howard will be charged with the following crimes.
- Burglary of a Structure Causing Over $1000 in Damage
- Grand Theft Causing Damage Over $1,000
- Possession of Burglary Tools (while masked)
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
Two of the men also allegedly tried to burglarize another store in Daytona Beach before being caught and arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department.
If convicted, all three men potentially face life in prison. Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Chris Olowin will handle the case moving forward.
Uthmeier's announcement follows another recent retail theft bust by the state in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
"In Florida, we are cracking down on retail theft like never before," Uthmeier wrote in response to The Floridian's story. "We will protect our consumers and make sure this continues to be the best state to grow a business."
