Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — June 2, 2025 — Investigators from the Attorney General’s office led an organized retail crime blitz last week in Jonesboro, with help from JPD officers.
According to a news release from Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office, 16 people were arrested on theft charges and an additional five suspects were identified. Some arrestees were charged with other crimes, including drug possession, tampering with evidence and forgery. The news release said more than 60 charges, half of which were felony charges, were a result of the blitz.
The retail stores that assisted with the blitz were two Walmart locations, two Walgreens locations, Target, Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Academy Sports, Kohl’s, and Burlington Coat Factory, according to the news release.
“This operation shows our continued commitment to eradicating this type of crime in Arkansas. We are working with law enforcement agencies and private sector partners across the state to gather intelligence, arrest perpetrators, and ultimately hold bad actors accountable,” Griffin said in the release. “I am grateful to the investigators in my Special Investigations Division, particularly Gerald Harrelson, who is our dedicated organized retail crime investigator. I am also thankful for the support and cooperation of the Jonesboro Police Department, as well as 2nd Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia Hagood.”
Since announcing organized retail crime as an investigative priority in 2023, Griffin’s office has participated in operations that have resulted in 44 arrests and the recovery of more than $600,000 in stolen merchandise.