Massive $71K theft ring targeting Pennsylvania grocery stores taken down: AG

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A massive retail theft ring that targeted grocery stores across nine Pennsylvania counties has ended, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Monday.

Dozens of charges have been brought against five people — three of which are in custody — for their involvement in the more than $71,000 theft ring. Marlin Polanco, 19, along with Malik McDonald, Cartier Hardy, Homario Oldacre, and Lorenzo Walters, all 20, were charged in Dauphin County with corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, and related crimes.

Henry said the group targeted stores such as Giant, Weis Markets and Wegmans across nine counties in southeastern and southcentral PA over three months earlier this year.

According to Henry, the group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products in Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Lancaster, Union, Lehigh, Berks, Chester and Northumberland counties. The total value of items stolen is estimated to be worth more than $71,000, Henry added.

“These thefts not only impact businesses but also harm our communities by affecting the availability of essential products,” Attorney General Henry said. “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.”

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Currently, Polanco, McDonald and Oldacre are in custody. Hardy and Walters have yet to be caught, Henry added in a release.

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