6 people charged in mass thefts connected to metro-area Best Buy stores
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has charged six people in connection to mass thefts at three metro-area Best Buy stores during Thanksgiving weekend 2021.
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Raymone Wright, Nathaniel Spears, Shaimee Robinson-Love, and Na’Touri Ross were each charged with one count of felony theft in Ramsey County on Thursday.
In addition to the four adults, two 17-year-olds have been petitioned by summons with one count of felony theft each.
According to the criminal complaints, three Best Buy stores had a group of people enter and leave with large quantities of unpaid, expensive, electronic products on Nov. 26, 2021.
Maplewood police said the suspects left with the merchandise from the Best Buy store and jumped into waiting cars, causing authorities to believe it was not random. Two more Best Buy stores in Burnsville and Blaine reported mass thefts the same day as well as a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Richfield. In total, the estimated value of the stolen merchandise from the three Best Buy stores was $26,138.04.
The four charged adults were able to be identified through surveillance video and social media, authorities say.
Mugshot for suspect Nathaniel Spears. (Ramsey County Jail)
Charges indicate the online reselling of the stolen goods connected to the crimes.
“This brazen act by an organized group shocked those who witnessed it first-hand as well as the retail community and law-abiding shoppers who were out making purchases ahead of the busy holiday season,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi in a statement. “Bringing these individuals to justice sends a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated. Our thanks go out to our partners in law enforcement for their hard work in unraveling this complex investigation.”
According to the press release, authorities believe more people were involved in the multi-county mass thefts who have not been identified yet for charging consideration but could be in the future.
Nathaniel Spears’s next appearance is Feb. 15. There are outstanding warrants for the three other charged adults.