GRAND BAY, AL – An elaborate scheme to defraud a Dollar General store in Grand Bay has led to the arrest of five individuals, with more arrests expected. The investigation reveals that the alleged organized retail theft ring may have been operational since the store’s opening in 2023. Authorities have uncovered a sophisticated operation that allowed the suspects to steal over $385,000 worth of merchandise.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office has identified the store, located at the intersection of Highway 188 and Ramsey Road, as the epicenter of the theft ring. According to Sgt. Lonnie Parsons, the meticulous planning involved in the crime is unprecedented. “It’s shocking to see such betrayal from within the company,” Parsons remarked, referring to the involvement of store employees in the scheme.
The investigation has revealed that the assistant manager, Brittany Kent, and an associate, Carl Kent, allegedly facilitated the thefts, along with accomplices Ophia Gordon and Ilrial Forrest. The suspects reportedly loaded shopping carts with numerous items, but only scanned and paid for a few, tricking the store’s security systems. The unscanned items were then resold for profit, compounding the financial loss to the store.
Sgt. Parsons noted the deception was so well-executed that it appeared legitimate to store management. “To management, everything seemed above board, but it was far from it,” he explained. The stolen goods were resold, allowing the suspects to make substantial profits while avoiding detection for a considerable time.
While the Dollar General corporate office has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation, the local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The case underscores the challenges retailers face in combating internal theft and the sophisticated methods employed by those seeking to exploit them.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to pursue leads, with warrants issued for two additional individuals believed to be linked to the thefts. Sgt. Parsons expressed frustration over the misuse of ingenuity, stating, “If these individuals had channeled their efforts into lawful employment, they could have been highly productive members of society.”
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, with many expressing disbelief over the scale and audacity of the thefts. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that even well-established businesses can face from within.