Police break up retail theft ring targeting Walmart

Property Crimes detectives from the Murfreesboro Police Department have dismantled a retail theft ring involving stolen electric toothbrushes from Walmart. The case was cracked with the assistance of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology.

Devonta Gooden, 28, Deasia White, 18, and Shaun Leggs, 36, were arrested on June 4 and charged with organized retail theft. White also faces a charge of simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Real Time Crime Center analysts used ALPR technology to identify a car linked to the crimes.

Investigators found that the group operated by having one person enter the store on Old Fort Parkway, fill a bag with electric toothbrushes, and leave without paying. Another person would then return the stolen items to customer service without a receipt, collecting refunds on gift cards. This scheme resulted in thousands of dollars in toothbrushes being stolen and refunded. Investigators also recovered additional stolen high-end items in their vehicle that had just been stolen from the store.

Gooden, White, and Leggs were released on $3,000 bond from Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. They are scheduled for a hearing on July 9 in General Sessions Court.