A cross-county shoplifting spree ended on the side of I-95 this week after three young women from Miami allegedly swiped thousands of dollars worth of baby formula from local retailers. The group, consisting of 15-year-old Briannah Cooper and 18-year-olds Tanajah Mason and Amoni Pettway, hit multiple stores across several jurisdictions before their luck ran out.
The operation was calculated and fast. Deputies say the trio moved from one storefront to the next, working in tandem to clear shelves of high-value infant formula while attempting to dodge security. However, law enforcement was quick to spot the pattern.
After investigators sent out a description of the getaway car, Florida Highway Patrol troopers intercepted the vehicle as it headed south toward Miami.
A search of the car revealed the scale of the operation: 262 cans of stolen formula packed inside, with a total retail value of roughly $8,000.
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According to investigators, this wasn’t a desperate act for personal use, but a business move. The suspects reportedly told deputies they sell the stolen goods on the black market for about $1,000 per 100 cans.
They further admitted to running these “work trips” two to three days a week to generate personal income. Authorities believe the three are part of a much larger organized retail theft ring that has been plaguing Florida businesses for months.
While the group had been successful in other areas, their experience with local law enforcement seems to have left a lasting impression.
After being taken into custody, one suspect made a blunt revelation to the arresting officers: “We won’t be back.” The individual further indicated that the rest of their organization would likely steer clear of the area in the future to avoid similar crackdowns.
All three suspects, including the juvenile, now face felony charges for retail theft exceeding $750. They were transported for processing and face significant legal consequences for their role in the organized ring.
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