Carrollton, GA (September 10, 2024) – The Carrollton Police Department is pleased to announce recent successes in combating organized retail crime through the dedicated efforts of our Cyber Crime Unit.
Noteworthy arrests have been made in connection with two major theft rings affecting prominent retailers in the Southeast.
Following a recent incident at the Carrollton Lowes, where a victim reported suspicious activity, an extensive investigation led to the identification of four male suspects from the Atlanta area involved in a significant theft ring.
Two suspects, Qwaitraz Fenner and Dewaan Mack, were apprehended after they visited the Carrollton Lowes and used fraudulent contractor and business charge accounts for unauthorized purchases.
Through collaboration with Lowes, it was revealed that this group was responsible for over $100,000 in losses, impacting more than 34 Lowes stores across the Southeast.
While only Fenner and Mack have been arrested locally, the investigation has facilitated the sharing of suspect information with other law enforcement agencies. This has enabled additional charges and arrests related to the thefts at various locations.
Charges against Fenner and Mack include Identity Fraud, Computer Invasion of Privacy, and Organized Retail Theft. The arrests underscore the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and diligent investigative work by Carrollton PD’s Cyber Crime Unit.
In a separate case, significant progress has also bene made in an investigation linked to Walmart thefts.
After a report from Walmart Asset Protection, it was determined that Romanian national Larisa Vasile-Sima, who was in the U.S. illegally, had orchestrated thefts across multiple Walmart locations nationwide. Vasile-Sima’s criminal activities resulted in over $98,000 in stolen jewelry.
Vasile-Sima was arrested locally, and the investigation led to arrests by various agencies in Georgia and Alabama. Charges of Felony Shoplifting and Organized Retail Theft have been filed against her. The collaborative efforts and identification of other group members have assisted in obtaining charges and making arrests across multiple jurisdictions.
The Carrollton Police Department remains committed to tackling organized retail crime and enhancing public safety through proactive investigations and interagency cooperation. These recent cases highlight our ongoing dedication to addressing complex criminal activities and ensuring accountability.
