RLP NEWS
A Bloomington family and several others have been charged with allegedly operating an organized retail crime network through multiple Monster Pawn locations across central Illinois, according to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
The charges were filed against Monster Pawn’s owners—Edwin Pierce, 65; Kathleen Pierce, 58; and their son, Everson Pierce, 28—along with four additional individuals following a multi-jurisdictional investigation.
The investigation uncovered alleged illegal activity at the following locations between November 2023 and July 2024:
- Monster Pawn Springfield North LLC, located in the 200 block of E. North Grand Ave., Springfield, IL
- Monster Pawn Springfield Inc., located in the 2300 block of S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL
- Midwest Exchange Inc., located in the 1400 block of E. Empire St., Bloomington, IL
- Monster Pawn, Inc., located in the 1600 block of R.T. Dunn Dr., Bloomington, IL
- Monster Pawn Normal Inc., located in the 1400 block of S. Main St., Normal, IL
Attorney General Kwame Raoul commented on the matter, stating, “Organized retail crime takes many forms and is not confined to one business type or region of Illinois. Residents should trust that businesses in their communities operate lawfully and that goods they purchase are obtained legally.”
The investigation alleges the Pierce family and Monster Pawn employees worked together to buy new merchandise, such as televisions, tools, and video game equipment, often still in its original packaging. This merchandise was allegedly represented as stolen and purchased well below market value before being resold online at discounted prices.
Charges Against the Defendants
- Kathleen Pierce: Three misdemeanor counts of theft under $500.
- Edwin Pierce:
- Three misdemeanor counts of theft under $500.
- One count of organizing a continuing financial crimes enterprise (Class X felony, up to 30 years in prison).
- One count of continuing financial crimes enterprise (Class 1 felony, up to 15 years in prison).
- One count of managing organized retail crime (Class 2 felony, up to seven years in prison).
- Eight counts of theft between $500 and $10,000.
- One count of solicitation of theft and two counts of money laundering (Class 3 felonies, up to five years in prison per count).
- Everson Pierce:
- Seven misdemeanor counts of theft under $500.
- One count of organizing a continuing financial crimes enterprise (Class X felony, up to 30 years in prison).
- One count of managing organized retail crime (Class 2 felony, up to seven years in prison).
- Four counts of theft between $500 and $10,000.
- Two counts of money laundering (Class 3 felonies, up to five years in prison per count).
The case highlights the Attorney General’s focus on combating organized retail crime and ensuring businesses adhere to legal practices. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected.