CMPD Says Organized Retail Crime Task Force Clears Over 400 Cases

Caryn Little,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force was launched in January and has already cleared more than 400 cases.

The CMPD says the task force has the responsibility of investigating retail theft crimes committed by chronic offenders which have resulted in violence or a high-value loss to CMPD’s retail partners.

Since January, there has been a combined $884,000 worth of property stolen in the 825 cases the task force has investigated.  The task force has cleared 445 cases and recovered $81,000 worth of stolen property.

CMPD says the task force is made up of 13 detectives from 10 divisions across the city who, in addition to their regular duties, take on the responsibility of investigating organized retail theft.

The task force detectives have partnered with eight surrounding law enforcement agencies through the course of their investigations.

The following suspects have been identified and arrested by the task force:

  • Michael Welburn – charged in 11 shoplifting-related cases.  He has prior, violent offenses which include armed robbery, common law robbery, and kidnapping.
  • Gregg Millner – charged in a number of cases related to shoplifting and include felony larceny, common law robbery, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.  He has previously been charged with armed robbery, breaking and entering, and indecent exposure.
  • McKenzie Re – responsible for numerous cases throughout counties of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Gaston, Iredell and Rowan.
  • Jody Horton – responsible for numerous cases throughout counties of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Gaston, Iredell and Rowan.