Several People Charged In Connection With Best Buy Mass Thefts

BURNSVILLE, MN — Several people have been charged in connection with the mass thefts that took place at Best Buy locations throughout the Twin Cities, including in Burnsville, on Black Friday, according to a news release from the Ramsey County Attorney's Office.

Raymone Wright, Nathaniel Spears, Shaimee Robinson-Love and Na’Touri Ross have each been charged with one count of felony theft, the news release said. Two juveniles have also been petitioned via summons with one count of felony theft, and warrants have been issued for three adults whom authorities believe were involved, officials said.

On Nov. 26, Maplewood police received a call about a large group of people fleeing the store with armfuls of unpaid merchandise, officials said. The groups jumped into waiting cars, suggesting this was planned and not random, police said.

Similar incidents occurred at Burnsville and Blaine's Best Buy locations, as well as a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Richfield, later that day, officials said.

Investigators said that the merchandise stolen from the Best Buy stores alone is valued at $26,138.04.

"This brazen act by an organized group shocked those who witnessed it first-hand as well as the retail community and law-abiding shoppers who were out making purchases ahead of the busy holiday season," Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said. "Bringing these individuals to justice sends a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated. Our thanks go out to our partners in law enforcement for their hard work in unraveling this complex investigation."

Nathaniel Spears will make his next appearance in Ramsey County District Court on Feb. 15, the news release said.

More people may later be charged if enough evidence is gathered by investigators, the Attorney's Office said.