Florida Authorities Arrest Suspects in Smash‑and‑Grab Burglaries and Retail Theft Ring

The Tallahassee Police Department arrested three suspects—Kymani Geter (16), Zyah Geter (21) and Antwaniya Winchester (19)—for a series of smash‑and‑grab burglaries that targeted smoke shops across Tallahassee from July 8 to August 2. The burglars used large objects to break storefront glass, entered the premises quickly, and in several incidents were armed with a firearm. Police linked all seven incidents, recovered a firearm, and charged the three with burglary, attempted burglary, criminal mischief and petit theft.

Separately, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals—Ethel McCaskill, Rochelle Jarrett, Sharon Thomas, Drianna Thomas, Tawanda Ellison and Taccara Gillyard—for operating a multi‑circuit organized retail theft and racketeering scheme. Between 2020 and 2022 the group stole high‑value merchandise from major retailers such as HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, recruited homeless people to return stolen items for gift cards, and resold the cards online, generating more than $3 million in proceeds. The defendants face racketeering, theft and fraud charges across numerous Florida judicial circuits.