Florida Sheriffs Department Uncovers Multi-Million Dollar Walmart Theft Ring

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced on Friday the takedown of a multi-million dollar Walmart theft operation that spanned multiple states.

According to WFLA 8, the crime spree cost the retailer $3.6 million in loss dating back to 2014. The operation involved purchasing expensive televisions from Walmart for cash, swapping out the TV in the box with a salvaged TV, and returning them to the store for cash. They would then turn around and sell the new TVs.

Between August of 2019 and March of 2020, investigators uncovered over $300,000 in loss nationwide. In Florida, the suspects hit stores in 39 counties, totaling $174,500 in loss in the state.

Judd said they uncovered the operation after an investigation revealed the serial number on the TV’s menu guide didn’t match the serial number on the outside of the TV and box.

Two of the suspects have been arrested, Jorge Robert Ortiz and Chanthan Scott Khouleanghak. One is deceased from natural causes, Eric Eugene Grigsby. Michelle Maki Walker and Jacorri Bentez Holland are still at large. All of the suspects are from Georgia.  

“These aren’t petty shoplifters; these are criminals,” Judd said.