A suspect has been arrested in connection to an organized retail theft ring responsible for stealing $5 million in Nike merchandise, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported Jan. 29.
Roy Lee Harvey Jr., 37, was arrested Jan. 27 after detectives from the region’s Organized Retail Crimes Task Force searched a warehouse in Hawthorne, a suburb located about 24 miles southwest of Los Angeles.
Nike’s global security director and other supply-chain investigators joined detectives during the search of the Hawthorne warehouse, where Mr. Harvey was seen delivering stolen Nike products, according to the LAPD.
During the search, detectives discovered thousands of pairs of stolen Nike shoes, clothing, accessories, and unique prototypes, they reported. The merchandise was worth about $5 million, according to the LAPD.
Mr. Harvey was booked into county jail and charged with receiving stolen property, a felony. He remained in custody Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the department, the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, implemented in August, has contributed to a 33 percent reduction in flash mob robberies since its inception, compared to the same period in 2022.
The task force has conducted 109 search warrants and made 128 arrests, recovering 15 firearms in the process, according to the LAPD.
