Theft ring sells millions in stolen goods to unsuspecting online buyers through Amazon, Walmart marketplaces

A massive theft ring was thwarted in Atlanta, where the stolen good were sold online through popular sites such as Amazon and Walmart. 

In total, the organizers sold more than $5 million in stolen goods to unsuspecting purchasers. 

Robert Whitley, aka Mr. Bob, and Noni Whitley, pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in the operation. They will be sentenced at a later date, according to prosecutors in Georgia.

Between 2011 and 2019, the father-daughter team ran a retail crime operation in Atlanta, according to prosecutors. The two relied on “boosters” — basically professional thieves — to steal items from stores. 

The thieves stole over-the-counter medicines such as Prilosec, Nexium, Rogaine and Claritin, according to prosecutors. They also stole products such as shaving razors, oral care products and beauty aids.  

The stores hit included CVS, Kroger, Publix, Target and Walgreens. 

Booster brought the goods, often in large trash bags, to a warehouse and the father-daughter duo paid cash for the goods, according to prosecutors. 

The Whitleys then sold the stolen items online through its website and the marketplaces of Amazon, Walmart and Sears. The duo’s store was known as Closeout Express and Essential Daily Discounts. 

While in operation, the suspect sold more than $5 million in stolen goods through the operation, prosecutors noted.  

In November 2019, federal agents raided the warehouse and the Whitleys’ homes, according to prosecutors. Agents found evidence of the operation and stolen property with a total value of more than $1 million.