LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2025) – With the busy Christmas shopping season underway, Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today efforts to combat organized retail crime.
General Coleman discussed the creation of an Organized Retail Crime Unit in the AG's Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at a roundtable discussion with law enforcement, lawmakers, retail and other partners at the Walmart Supercenter, located in Middletown. For more than an hour, the group spoke in depth about these large-scale criminal operations.
Watch the press conference here.
According to the Kentucky Retail Federation, Kentucky lost more than $2 billion in a single year because of organized retail crime. KRF also reported a 30% increase in organized retail crime last year.
"Organized retail crime brings dangerous criminals into our communities, but it also drives up prices for Kentuckians. In collaboration with law enforcement, prosecutors and retailers, we've created a new unit to take on this threat and send a message to the criminals coming from other states and countries that Kentucky is no longer the place to get a ‘big haul;' it’s the place to end up in handcuffs and get a prison sentence,” said Attorney General Coleman.
In May, General Coleman added a veteran law enforcement detective to his team to focus entirely on organized retail theft. During that time, multiple indictments have been secured, including two men from New York City who fabricated coupon codes to get big amount gift cards for mere dollars.
On Friday, General Coleman shared plans to expand Kentucky's efforts. During the upcoming legislative session, General Coleman will ask the General Assembly for more than $2 million over two years to build out the Organized Retail Crime Unit. The unit would be comprised of four detectives, two criminal analysts, and a prosecutor.
"On behalf of all retailers big and small operating in Kentucky, we are grateful to Attorney General Coleman and his team for their strong partnership in addressing this critical issue. We look forward to collaborating closely with the 2026 General Assembly to establish a much-needed ORC task force — to protect Kentucky’s retailers, consumers and communities," said Tod Griffin, President of the Federation.
"An Organized Retail Crime Task Force led by the Office of the Attorney General will maximize collaboration among retailers, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community support organizations- to stop criminal theft rings that are operating here in Kentucky. The General Assembly looks forward to working to provide funding for strategic investigators and data analysts who can work collaboratively to send a message that Kentucky is open for business, but not open for crime," said Rep. Jared Bauman (R-District 28).
"Throughout Louisville Metro Government, we're stepping up our collaborative efforts with state and local partners to improve public safety," said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. "Our efforts to stop organized retail crime are no different. When we collaborate, we make Louisville safer."
“Collaboration is a very deliberate and strategic step as we work toward a solution. Without a solution, neighborhood stores our seniors depend on to buy their groceries and stores where single mothers earn a paycheck will close their doors. We must act now,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina Whethers.
“What once began as a crime of opportunity has given way to a complex and sophisticated criminal ring that’s resulting in store closures and higher prices. It’s not an occasional occurrence. It’s a daily problem, and we are grateful for the collaboration and the efforts of our Attorney General and lawmakers,” said St. Matthews Police Chief Barry Wilkerson.
Retailers including CVS, Kroger, Meijer, TJ Maxx, and Walmart were represented at today’s roundtable.
Images of today's event are available here.