Four men have been charged with organizing thefts at Ross Dress for Less stores in Culver City and Los Angeles.
As reported by westsidecurrent.com, “Valentino Skinner, 22, Marquis Marshall, 31, Isaiah Tobias, 32, and Avery Tywann, 43, each face one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and two counts of second-degree robbery. Skinner and Marshall each also face two counts of grand theft. Marshall and Tobias’ charges include special allegations of one or more serious or violent felony convictions, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said.”
“This type of criminal activity places an enormous burden on our local businesses and is an assault against our entire community,” Gascon continued. “My office will not tolerate this blatant disregard for the law and the negative impact it has on our economy and neighborhoods.”
Three of the men – Skinner, Marshall and Tywann – pleaded not guilty when initially arraigned, at the Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles last Wednesday. The fourth, Tobias, pleaded not guilty the following day. Preliminary hearings begin on Wednesday, September 13.
“On Aug. 25, Skinner and Marshall allegedly drove to Ross Dress for Less located at 8985 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles,” the report continues. “They are accused of entering the store and immediately taking merchandise in the presence of store employees. Three days later, at about 6:17 p.m., prosecutors allege Skinner, Marshall and Tobias entered the Ross Dress for Less store at 10818 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City and immediately began to take merchandise without paying. Avery allegedly waited in getaway car. The four defendants allegedly drove together to the area of Alvarado and 8th streets — an area known for the resale of stolen items, prosecutors said.”
Anyone with any information should contact the Organized Retail Crime Task Force at 818-374-9420.
