A woman in Cherokee County has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly orchestrating a criminal enterprise that led to thefts from multiple Target stores across different states.
Claudia Hornea faces charges under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute, according to the indictment.
Between September 1 and October 17, officials claim that Hornea, along with several accomplices (not named in the indictment), carried out thefts from Target stores in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina. The indictment alleges that a total of 24 Target stores were targeted during this period.
The stolen merchandise is valued at over $100,000, and it includes items such as skin care products, televisions, clothing, gaming accessories, an Apple watch, toys, ink cartridges, and baby products.
According to court documents, Hornea and her criminal organization used the following techniques to steal from a Target:
- Hire a driver to deliver and set up during the theft.
- Make use of kids, teenagers, and accomplices
- Acquire a container or bag to hide pilfered goods.
- Keep an eye out to evade law enforcement
- Use counter-surveillance strategies to avoid being apprehended.
- Shoplifting is a theft offense that you should commit to help the business.
- Profitably resell stolen goods
If Hornea is found guilty of a RICO offense, she may spend up to 20 years behind bars.
