Investigators have smashed an organized retail theft ring leading to the arrest of 16 people in Polk County.
34-year-old Malynda Ford of Lakeland is believed to have been one of the key players conducting the retail thefts. Deputies say, Ford has been observed on video surveillance stealing merchandise from numerous department store chains including, Beall’s Stores and Outlets, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Stein Mart, and Winn Dixie. Ford would often use other individuals to drive her to the stores because her driver’s license has been suspended, according to investigators.
Deputies also say, Ford would select multiple items such as clothing and perfume, conceal the items beneath her clothing and would leave the store without paying for the items. Ford and her associates would then either return the stolen merchandise for store merchandise return cards or would sell the merchandise to others.
See the full list of all those arrested HERE.
