Photo: CBS 12
Two local residents face charges for being the alleged ringleaders of a statewide baby formula retail theft ring.
"We will be taking down two individuals that were the ringleaders of this enterprise...Mohammed Alsaidi and Zeina Abdul Hassan Zabib from Lake Worth."
Attorney General James Uthmeier in West Palm Beach this morning to make that announcement, saying the two are being indicted on multiple felonies that could put them away for 90 years each.
"It wasn't just a little bit of retail theft here or there, this was a large coordinated enterprise spanning over multiple counties and many circuits."
He says a million dollars in baby formula was stolen from major retailers like Publix, Target, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens. The AG says that because of crimes like this, some mothers may have left the store empty-handed.
"You don't want to upset moms ever. You certainly don't want to upset moms when it comes to feeding their little ones. So this is a fight that we will valiantly fight."
The suspects are accused of using what are known as 'boosters' to commit the thefts across the state, and then those 'boosters' would sell the items to them at extremely low prices. The alleged ringleaders would then sell the formula for a profit.
The 15-month investigation dubbed "Formula One" previously resulted in nine other arrests.
Florida Retail Federation President Scott Shalley says the chains are doing their part to combat retail theft.
"Our retail companies spend millions of dollars every year, fighting organized retail crime...putting together cases to protect consumers...not just product, but the consumers. Crimes are getting more violent and they're putting themselves out there."
And Treasure Coast State Representative John Snyder vows that the Florida Legislature will continue to do its part.