A woman has been indicted by a Cherokee County grand jury for her involvement in a criminal enterprise that targeted and stole items from various Target stores across multiple states.
Claudia Hornea has been indicted on two counts of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and violation of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), as stated in the indictment.
Between September 1 and October 17, Hornea and a group of co-conspirators were responsible for a series of thefts at Target stores in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina. According to the indictment, a total of 24 Target stores were targeted by Hornea.
Her co-conspirators were not named in the indictment.
Officials have reported that Hornea stands accused of stealing merchandise valued at over $100,000 from Target. The indictment further states that she allegedly took a range of items including skin care products, televisions, clothing, gaming accessories, an Apple watch, toys, ink cartridges, and baby products.
According to court records, Hornea and her criminal enterprise employed a specific set of steps while carrying out thefts at Target stores.
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- Obtain a driver to drop off and stage during theft
- Utilize children/teens and co-conspirators
- Obtain a box or tote to conceal stolen items
- Utilize a lookout to avoid law enforcement
- Employ counter-surveillance techniques to prevent apprehension
- Commit the crime of theft by shoplifting to support the enterprise
- Resell stolen merchandise for profit
If Hornea is found guilty of a RICO violation, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.