On August 28th, 2024, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, led by Attorney General Jason Miyares, hosted a pivotal Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Roundtable Legislative Luncheon. This event gathered key players from law enforcement, retail, and the legislature to discuss ongoing initiatives to combat the growing threat of organized retail theft in Virginia. Among the attendees was Mark McDermott, CLEAR Regional Director and Group Manager of Investigations for JCPenney, who actively participated in the discussions representing the retail sector.
The luncheon, which brought together state senators, representatives, Commonwealth attorneys, and members of the Commonwealth Retail Association, focused on the collaboration between public and private sectors in tackling ORC. Kyle Woods, head of the ORC Task Force formed by Attorney General Miyares, emphasized the importance of this cooperation. The task force is dedicated to streamlining efforts to target and dismantle large-scale criminal organizations that engage in organized theft, a crime that costs Virginia retailers around $1.3 billion annually.
Mark McDermott spoke on behalf of retailers, highlighting the serious challenges they face in dealing with ORC. He discussed how this complex issue affects both businesses and communities, pointing out that legislators are often unaware of its broader, long-term impacts. He also shared insights into CLEAR’s role in supporting state and federal efforts to strengthen ORC prosecution, stating, "Events like this luncheon are a vital step forward in building the necessary partnerships to truly combat organized retail crime. By bringing together lawmakers and enforcement agencies, we can create a unified front that not only addresses theft but also protects the future of our businesses and communities."
The roundtable also discussed recent legislative developments in Virginia. As part of the state's broader anti-ORC strategy, new laws, including Virginia Code § 18.2-103.1, have been enacted. These laws allow for the aggregation of theft incidents across multiple counties into a single charge, simplifying prosecution and streamlining law enforcement efforts. The goal is to deliver more efficient and severe penalties for those involved in organized retail theft.
The luncheon ended with productive conversations between retailers and law enforcement, pushing for stronger collaboration and more robust efforts to combat ORC statewide. As McDermott underscored, the success of initiatives like these relies on sustained communication and partnership among all involved stakeholders.
The Attorney General’s task force, in collaboration with retailers and law enforcement, continues to drive forward in this fight, ensuring that the right resources are allocated to protect businesses and consumers alike.
Sources: 13News Now, Virginia Attorney General
Sources: 13News Now, Virginia Attorney General
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