Des Moines Sun

In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, witnesses urged Congress to take action against organized retail crime. They expressed support for the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act led by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). The legislation aims to target criminal enterprises with penalties and multi-agency coordination.

Witnesses at the hearing included Summer Stephan, President of the National District Attorneys Association; David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau; Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer for American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; and Donna Lemm, Chief Strategy Officer for IMC Logistics.

Grassley questioned Stephan on how the proposed legislation would aid law enforcement and prosecutors in tackling organized retail crime. Stephan responded that it would be a "game-changer," allowing for national solutions to what is currently addressed only at local levels.

David J. Glawe discussed how transnational criminal organizations use organized retail crime to further their activities. He emphasized the importance of a coordination center for intelligence and operations, similar to existing counter-terrorism centers.

Grassley also addressed the importance of aggregating theft amounts under title 18. Stephan explained that aggregation helps distinguish between minor thefts and habitual organized crimes, enabling prosecutors to address repeat offenses effectively.