Organized theft ring arrested

Organized theft ring arrested

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL - The Fernandina Beach Police Department has announced that four adults have been arrested in connection with operating an organized retail theft ring.

Initial charges stem from an incident that occurred on August 28th at the Frugal Scots Liquor Store on Sadler Road. Members of the group created a diversion in the store while other members concealed and removed several high-end bottles of alcohol. Suspicious employees called the Fernandina Beach Police Department and officers arrived in time to stop the group before they even left the store.

As the suspects attempted to exit the store without paying for the items, they were stopped and arrested. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had been involved with other retail theft cases in unincorporated Nassau County.

The group also attempted to use a check stolen in Duval County to pay for other items in the store.

The employees of Frugal Scott informed officers that this same group had used this same rouse to hit two other liquor stores in Yulee earlier in the week. Fernandina Beach officers contacted the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and those incidents were confirmed. Additional criminal charges are pending.

Freddie L Johnson, 20, of Jacksonville was charged with Felony Retail Theft with a bond amount of $1,502.00. Joshua Massey, 19, of Jacksonville was charged with Retail (Petit) Theft with a bond amount of $1,502.00. Lillie Mae White, 49, of Jacksonville was charged with Principal to Retail Theft with a bond amount of $1,502.00. Sonjia V Johnson, 48. of Jacksonville Florida was charged with two Uttering Forged Instrument and Principal to retail theft. All suspects are currently being held at the Nassau County Jail.