Professional Shoplifting Ring Busted At Jackson Outlets: Police

JACKSON, NJ — Four Maryland residents have been arrested in what authorities say is a professional shoplifting ring that authorities say was responsible for nearly $60,000 in thefts from stores at the Jackson Premium Outlets.

Anthony Jones, D’Arnajai Raheem, Shontaz Wingate and Veronica Motes were arrested Saturday by a special law enforcement detail that had been in place for nearly two months, Jackson Police Sgt. Fred Meabe said.

The details consisted of plainclothes patrol officers and members of Jackson's Special Enforcement Unit, Meabe said.

Jackson police working on the detail were alerted Saturday that the shoplifting suspects might be in the area, and identified the vehicle they were driving, Meabe said, and police surrounded the area to prevent them from escaping. As members of the ring walked out of the Under Armour store, officers confronted them, Meabe said.

They tried to run but all four were caught. One of the women assaulted a Good Samaritan who was trying to assist the officers, Meabe said.

The group, who authorities said was operating out of Baltimore, Maryland, is alleged to be responsible "for numerous acts of shoplifting in several surrounding states," Meabe said.

Jones, Raheem, Wingate and Motes were all charged with: organized retail theft enterprise shoplifting; shoplifting; obstruction, and hindering apprehension, Meabe said. In addition, Motes was charged with robbery.

All four were taken to the Ocean County Jail pending detention hearings, he said.

"The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court," Meabe said.