New Yorkers accused of theft ring at Bath & Body Works in Grove City, other stores

Two New York residents have been charged with an organized retail theft operation targeting Bath & Body Works stores in Mercer and other counties.

According to court documents filed by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Jovante Marshon Richardson, 31, of Buffalo, N.Y., and Emonee Quonysha Bradley, 25, of Cheektowaga, N.Y., are accused of stealing approximately $3,700 worth of merchandise from four Bath & Body Works locations on July 29, 2024. The stores were in Millcreek Township (Erie County), Grove City (Mercer County), Cranberry Township (Venango County), and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County).

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after Millcreek Police Department contacted the Attorney General's office regarding a theft at Millcreek Mall Bath & Body Works. Loss prevention personnel identified Richardson and Bradley as suspects in that incident, where approximately $1,011 in merchandise was stolen.

Further investigation revealed that the same individuals allegedly committed thefts at the Grove City Outlets, the Cranberry Mall, and the Waterworks Mall on the same day. Surveillance videos from the stores reportedly show Richardson and Bradley entering the locations carrying a black tote bag, placing merchandise inside, and leaving without paying.

The complaint states that Bath & Body Works' loss prevention provided detailed transaction data showing 202 items were stolen from the four Pennsylvania stores, totaling $3,799.40 in losses. The suspects were also identified as being involved in similar thefts at Bath & Body Works stores in New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Probation officials in Erie County, N.Y., confirmed Richardson's identity from surveillance images. A search warrant for Bradley's social media accounts allegedly revealed discussions about a lack of legitimate employment and numerous posts advertising stolen clothing and retail merchandise for sale.

Both Richardson and Bradley face felony charges of corrupt organizations, organized retail theft, as well as multiple counts of retail theft.