Alleged shoplifting suspect at Lowe’s in Lacey. Image courtesy of Lacey Police Department
Law enforcement across Washington is intensifying efforts to combat Organized Retail Crime (ORC), leading to arrests and prosecutions statewide. In Spokane, Michael Lewis, 40, faces charges for allegedly exploiting Home Depot’s online system to steal $22,800 in merchandise and fraudulently obtain refunds. Authorities say he sold stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace and used multiple vehicles in his scheme.
Meanwhile, in Lacey, police arrested Jenessa Tejano, 33, for a series of thefts at Target totaling $1,512.91. The suspect admitted to multiple incidents and now faces second-degree organized retail theft charges.
In the Puget Sound region, three suspects allegedly stole over $143,000 in high-end merchandise from stores in Renton, Tukwila, and beyond. Charges include multiple counts of ORC, with one suspect held on $325,000 bail.
Oregon is also stepping up enforcement. A Clackamas County retail crime operation recently resulted in 20 arrests and the recovery of over $3,100 in stolen goods, funded by an Organized Retail Theft grant.
As these crimes escalate, Gov. Bob Ferguson is pushing for $100 million in police funding to bolster enforcement. With legislative debates ongoing, Washington’s approach to tackling ORC remains a pressing issue for both lawmakers and retailers.
