Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals accused in an organized retail theft and racketeering scheme of stolen merchandise from several popular retailers across the state.
“This criminal enterprise systematically stole from Florida retailers and exploited homeless people from shelters to convert stolen merchandise into gift cards,” Uthmeier said in a press statement. “Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime—it raises prices for every consumer and harms honest businesses. Thanks to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for their leadership on the investigation. Through our Organized Retail Theft Task Force, we will dismantle these rings and hold the participants accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the attorney general, Ethel McCaskill, Rochelle Jarrett, Sharon Thomas, Drianna Thomas, Tawanda Ellison, and Taccara Gillyard allegedly conspired and participated in an ongoing pattern of racketeering involving theft and dealing of expensive stolen property from HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michaels, Burlington Coat Factory, Ross, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Golf Galaxy from May 2020 to April 2022.
As part of their scheme, the individuals would allegedly recruit homeless people to return stolen items without receipts in exchange for store gift cards. The homeless in return would get a small amount money or food after the cards were collected.
The gift cards were later sold to Gillyard in exchange for cash, who resold them online. Gillyard is said to have amassed more than $3.1 million in gift card sales through Raise.com between 2014 and June 2021, and another $140,000 GiftCash and eBay from the operation.
Moreover, the attorney general noted Gillyard had no traditional source of income despite making large ATM withdrawals from co-conspirators while visiting the casino during the operation. Investigators were also able to trace the gift cards from the thefts and returns to her account.
McCaskill, Jarrett, Sharon Thomas, Drianna Thomas, Ellison, and Gillyard were all charged with felony conspiracy to commit racketeering in the scheme. The six defendants also face various other charges, including felony organized scheme to defraud and felony dealing in stolen property.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Office of Statewide Prosecution led the investigation.
McCaskill, Jarrett, Sharon Thomas, and Drianna Thomas face 90 years in prison if convicted. Gillyard faces up to 75 years in jail, while Ellison faces 45 years.
