RLP NEWS
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — Authorities have dismantled a sophisticated retail theft ring targeting high-value items such as laundry detergent, luxury fragrances, and designer clothing. Over the course of a four-month investigation, law enforcement uncovered connections to more than 35 thefts across South Florida, totaling over $15,000 in stolen merchandise.
Arrests and Investigation Details
Two suspects, Ariel Deja McFarlane and Lequentin Terrill Butler Jr., have been arrested and face charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering, organized retail theft, and dealing in stolen property. Their accomplice, Eddy Jhonwesley Etienne, remains at large, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).
Attorney General Ashley Moody condemned the crimes, stating, “All the laundry detergent and perfume in the state of Florida couldn’t cover up the stench of guilt emanating from these organized retail thieves.”
The investigation began in March 2024 after a theft at a Walgreens in West Palm Beach. Surveillance footage, cell phone data, and financial transactions tied the suspects to thefts at multiple retail locations, including Walgreens, CVS, Publix, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Theft Operation and Arrests
The suspects allegedly used a 2008 blue Honda Civic, registered to McFarlane, to travel between stores in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Court documents revealed that McFarlane often drove the vehicle while Butler and Etienne executed the thefts. Items stolen included:
- Laundry Detergent: Theft amounts ranged from $61 to $666 per incident.
- Luxury Fragrances: Brands such as Creed and Bond No. 9 were stolen, including a $5,035 haul from Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Designer Clothing: Items valued at over $1,200 were stolen from high-end retailers.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram were allegedly used to sell the stolen goods for profit.
On April 11, PBSO detectives observed McFarlane and Butler committing thefts in real-time at Publix and Walgreens in Royal Palm Beach. During a traffic stop, stolen goods and suspected drugs were found in their vehicle, along with McFarlane’s 4-month-old baby, who was in an unsecured car seat. Both suspects were charged with child neglect in addition to theft.
Connection to Controlled Substances
The investigation also revealed that the theft ring was engaged in distributing controlled substances, including Percocet, marijuana, and Oxycodone. Financial records from Cash App and Zelle indicated profits from the sale of both stolen goods and drugs.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
McFarlane and Butler were recently booked into Palm Beach County Jail, while Etienne remains at large. Law enforcement has called this group an “organized retail theft ring” operating throughout South Florida.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Etienne’s whereabouts to come forward as the investigation continues.