Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of seven people involved in a large organized retail theft operation that targeted beauty and fragrance products across several Florida counties.
“This was a coordinated criminal enterprise that robbed retailers across Florida and turned stolen goods into illicit proceeds,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to protect Florida businesses, keep prices low for consumers, and quickly dismantle organized retail theft rings from the ground up.”
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz commented on the broader impact of such crimes: “Organized retail theft is not just about stolen merchandise, it is about coordinated criminal activity that impacts families, small businesses, and our entire community. This investigation demonstrates the strength of our partnerships across jurisdictions and our shared commitment to holding those who engage in organized criminal enterprises accountable. In Miami-Dade County and throughout Florida, we will continue working with our state and local partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and ensure they face the full consequences under the law.”
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek emphasized the message sent by this case: “This case sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in Martin County. These criminals weren’t just stealing merchandise — they were targeting hardworking business owners and ultimately driving up costs for our residents. Through strong partnerships and coordinated statewide prosecution, we are holding these traveling criminals accountable and protecting our community from large-scale retail fraud.”
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw added: “This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft, no matter how coordinated or far-reaching, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Those who profit from stealing in our communities will be held accountable.”
Scott Shalley, President and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, stated: “Retail theft at all levels is a direct attack on our businesses and communities. I am grateful to the Attorney General James Uthmeier, our law enforcement officers and prosecutors for their relentless pursuit of justice and fierce commitment to dismantle organized retail crime. We stand firmly with Florida’s businesses, they deserve nothing less than full protection under the law.”
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay said: “I am proud of what our Retail Theft Investigative Task Force has done to quickly deliver results that protect both Florida businesses and consumers. Criminal enterprises don’t worry about jurisdictional barriers, and now we don’t have to, either. Trust that our statewide prosecutors are working hard to track down these professional thieves and lock them up.”
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including the Office of Statewide Prosecution; sheriff’s offices from Martin County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County; as well as police departments from Palm Bay and Palm Beach Gardens; plus Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that between November 2024 through summer 2025 losses reached tens of thousands of dollars at various retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Burlington stores, and Ulta Beauty locations in South, Central,and West Florida.
The suspects allegedly operated as “boosters,” entering stores to steal health and beauty supplies which were then sold to Naychel Jerez—a Hialeah-based fence—who resold items online via platforms such as OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace.
Searches at Jerez’s home led investigators to recover nearly $124,000 worth of stolen products along with anti-theft device removers,a cash counting machine,and more than $51k in cash.
The following individuals are charged:
– Naychel Alvarez Jerez (36): conspiracy to commit racketeering,directing dealing in stolen property,and related offenses.
– John Kevin Romero (22): conspiracy to commit racketeering,two counts organized retail theft,dealing/conspiracy dealing in stolen property,and unlawful use of two-way communications device.
– Josue Rego Romero (29): same charges as above.
– Albert Mario Socorro Alvarez (28): same charges as above.
– Jose Carlos Perez Salgado (30): conspiracy charges plus one count each for organized retail theft/dealing/conspiracy dealing in stolen property.
– Antonio Perez Torres (26): similar charges.
– Lissette Rodriguez (34): conspiracy dealing in stolen property/unlawful use two-way communications device.
In 2024,the state increased penalties for Organized Retail Theft via HB 549,signed by Governor DeSantis,making repeat offenders eligible for sentences up to 30 years.Some defendants could face maximum sentences reaching 80 years if convicted.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin & Monique Wilson will handle prosecution within Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
The Florida State Executive Attorney General plays an active role in public safety through consumer protection efforts,supports initiatives like educational programs against fraud,and collaborates with law enforcement on campaigns such as Back the Blue.The office provides resources statewide—including alerts on scams—and extends support specifically tailored for seniors,military members,and other vulnerable groups.
Law enforcement interested in joining future investigations can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution directly by email.
