Shawn Nanez, 33, of Bremerton, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison and an additional two and a half years in community custody under a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) after pleading guilty to multiple felonies. Nanez’s crimes involved stealing over $145,000 worth of merchandise from stores across King, Pierce, and Kitsap counties. This case marks the first successful prosecution by Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s new Organized Retail Crime Unit, established in 2023.
Nanez committed 28 thefts between April and June 2022, using tools to break into secured cases and steal high-value items, which he later sold for cash. Known to local loss prevention teams, his thefts often involved intimidation and physical confrontation with store employees. His arrest in June 2022 led to a confession about his routine in selling stolen goods.
Attorney General Ferguson’s unit, created to tackle sophisticated retail crimes, aims to protect businesses, workers, and the economy from the impacts of organized retail theft. With ongoing efforts and more prosecutions planned, the unit is expanding its resources to effectively address and combat these crimes across Washington.
Ferguson emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable and reaffirmed the commitment to reducing organized retail crime, which poses significant threats to retail environments and the broader community.
WR congratulates the task force’s diligent efforts in bringing justice to those responsible for organized retail crimes, protecting businesses and communities across the state.
Read the full press release: atg.wa.gov
