Five suspects charged in large-scale organized retail theft

Harrisburg, Pa. — Charges were filed against five suspects involved in a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted store across nine counties.

Marlin Polanco, 19, Malik McDonald, 20, Cartier Hardy, 20, Homario Oldacre, 20, and Lorenzo Walters, 20, were charged in Dauphin County with corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and related crimes, according to a release from Attorney General Michelle Henry's office.

Between Feb. 28 and May 30, the group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products from major retailers including Giant, Weis Markets, and Wegmans in 40 documented incidents across nine counties including Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Union, Lehigh, Berks, Chester, and Northumberland, according to the release. The total value of stolen goods is estimated to be worth more than $71,000.

The group targeted Giant in East Buffalo Township and Weis Markets in Kelly Township in May.

Video showed the four men arrived at Giant the evening of May 18 in a gray Nissan sedan. An unidentified suspect got out of the car first and entered the store at the south entrance. A short time later, Hardy, McDonald, and Oldacre went into the store and headed to the pharmacy aisles. For approximately 12 minutes, Oldacre and the other suspects removed the over-the-counter medications from the shelves and concealed them inside their jackets. The men then left the store shortly before 7:30 p.m., according to Patrolman Gary Heckman of Buffalo Valley Regional Police Department.

Related reading: Theft ring from New York targets Lewisburg grocery stores

“These thefts not only impact businesses but also harm our communities by affecting the availability of essential products,” said Attorney General Henry. “The collaboration between my office, multiple district attorneys, and local police departments has been instrumental in fighting for justice. Our commitment is to tackle these crimes head-on to protect our communities from these harmful actions.”

Polanco, McDonald, and Oldacre are currently in custody. Hardy and Walters have not yet been apprehended, according to the release.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Kelsey Ashworth and Philip McCarthy of the Organized Retail Crime Unit.