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BALTIMORE, MD – Four men have been indicted for their roles in an organized retail crime ring, accused of committing 37 robberies across six Maryland counties, resulting in losses of approximately $800,000, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. . Brown, announced Monday. The crimes, described as ‘flash mob’ style thefts, targeted shops during business hours and involved high-value goods such as designer sunglasses and perfumes.

The defendants: Donte Bernard Shaw, 34, of Washington, DC; Taquan Anthony Neal, 25, of District Heights, Maryland; Antonio William Polite, 35, of Hyattsville, Maryland; and Samuel Cordell Whitmire, Jr., 29, of Alexandria, Virginia – are charged with multiple misdemeanors. These include participating in a criminal organization, schemes to commit theft over $100,000, second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit theft, and individual counts of theft and burglary. Shaw faces an additional charge of illegal possession of a regulated firearm.

Authorities allege the group began operations in September 2023 and targeted stores in Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s and Prince George’s Counties. Companies affected by the thefts include Sunglass Hut, Ulta Beauty, GameStop and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Prosecutors say the group overwhelmed store employees by entering in large numbers, quickly filling bags with merchandise and fleeing. Some thefts reportedly occurred after hours due to burglaries.

“Organized retail crime is not victimless,” Attorney General Brown said in a statement. “Stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from businesses could lead to higher prices for products Marylanders need and could cost hardworking employees their jobs.”

According to investigators, the stolen goods were allegedly sold both in person and through online marketplaces. Law enforcement officers from the Gaithersburg and Montgomery County police departments led the investigation, with assistance from multiple agencies. “An investigation of this magnitude requires significant effort and cooperation,” Gaithersburg Police Chief Mark Sorka said.

The cases will be prosecuted in Howard County Circuit Court.