Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents today arrested the ringleader of an organized retail theft ring responsible for stealing more than $450,000 in merchandise from Walgreens stores in Central Florida. Janet Hewitt, 63, of Ormond Beach, was charged with dealing in stolen property, a first-degree felony.

FDLE’s Orlando Regional Operations Center began its investigation after Walgreen’s Loss Prevention contacted agents regarding Hewitt’s alleged involvement in stealing items from their business. FDLE’s investigation revealed Hewitt was directing individuals to steal cosmetics and razor blades from Walgreens stores and then paying them $1 for each item delivered to her. She would then sell the items at the Daytona Flea and Farmer’s Market in Volusia County and the Webster Flea Market in Sumter County.

During search warrants executed today, agents found stolen merchandise believed to be from Walgreens stores. Hewitt was booked into the Volusia County Jail on $60,000 bond. The Attorney General’s Office of the Statewide Prosecutor is prosecuting this case. Additional arrests are pending.

For Further Information Contact:
Heather Smith, Kristen Perezluha or Mike Morrison
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001