The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced significant achievements in combating retail crime during the first full year of its Organized Retail Crime Unit. In 2025, the unit filed 60 criminal charges, initiated over 100 new investigations, and seized nearly $500,000 in stolen goods and cash.
Launched in the summer of 2024, the Organized Retail Crime Unit, under the leadership of Dave Sunday, was designed to tackle high-value theft rings, fraudulent returns, and online purchasing scams. These activities contribute to rising consumer prices as retailers face substantial losses. The unit has since expanded its operations to cover 52 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
In a recent statement, Sunday emphasized the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement, indicating that further cases are imminent as investigators increase their scope throughout the Commonwealth. The unit was formally established on July 1, 2024, following the implementation of Act 42 of 2023, which classified retail thefts exceeding $50,000 as a first-degree felony.
Major Seizures and Notable Cases
During its inaugural year, the Organized Retail Crime Unit reported seizing nearly $250,000 in stolen merchandise statewide. Authorities estimate that the value of goods sold or transferred before recovery could reach into the millions.
In addition to its enforcement efforts, the Office of Attorney General joined the national Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance in 2025, a coalition aimed at addressing gift card fraud and related retail crimes. The Organized Retail Crime Unit is staffed with 12 agents and seven attorneys working collaboratively across Pennsylvania.
Noteworthy cases from 2025 illustrate the scale and impact of the unit’s operations. In one instance, Eugene Antwi was charged with using stolen credit and debit card information to make over 200 online orders amounting to more than $65,000 for high-end liquor from Fine Wine and Spirits stores across 21 counties.
Another significant case involved Charros Montanez, who allegedly purchased Apple AirPods and returned counterfeit versions at 37 Walmart stores, resulting in over $20,000 in fraudulent returns.
In northeastern and eastern Pennsylvania, two individuals faced charges for a customer account takeover scheme affecting at least 18 stores across multiple counties, including Bucks and Philadelphia. In south-central Pennsylvania, three people were charged with separate account takeovers at Lowe’s, totaling more than $60,000 in unauthorized purchases.
Additionally, Nilson Peralta Rodriguez, an Amazon employee, was charged with stealing over $50,000 in merchandise from a Bucks County distribution center and reselling the items in the Reading area. In western Pennsylvania, two individuals faced charges for stealing riding mowers valued between $2,000 and $3,000 each from Tractor Supply and Home Depot stores.
Future of Retail Crime Enforcement
The crackdown on organized retail theft is expected to intensify as the Organized Retail Crime Unit continues to pursue coordinated theft operations state-wide. Officials are optimistic about the ongoing efforts to combat retail crime, indicating that the level of enforcement will only increase.
As authorities address these significant challenges, the ramifications for retailers and consumers alike will be closely monitored. The proactive measures taken by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General underscore a commitment to safeguarding the retail sector and its patrons.
This comprehensive approach to tackling retail crime not only aims to recover stolen goods but also seeks to deter future criminal activities, fostering a safer shopping environment for all Pennsylvanians.
