Little Rock, Arkansas – A coordinated retail theft investigation in Arkansas has led to multiple felony charges and the arrest of one suspect, while two others remain at large as authorities continue their search.
Attorney General Tim Griffin announced that 27-year-old Balincia Matthews of Little Rock has been charged with organized retail theft and theft of property following an investigation into a group accused of targeting retail stores across the state. The case centers on a series of thefts involving Bath & Body Works locations, where losses were reported to exceed $15,000.
“Special Agents from my Organized Retail Crime Unit received information from a Bath & Body Works Market Investigator regarding a group of women believed to be targeting multiple Bath & Body Works stores across Arkansas. The reported thefts exceeded $15,000. My office opened an investigation, identified three suspects, and secured warrants for all three,” AG Griffin said.
Multiple charges across several courts
According to officials, Matthews was arrested on March 18 by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges. Following that arrest, she was formally charged in multiple jurisdictions tied to the investigation.
In Little Rock District Court, Matthews faces one felony count of organized retail theft along with eight felony counts of theft of property. In North Little Rock District Court, she is charged with five additional felony counts of theft of property. In Saline County Circuit Court, she faces three more felony theft charges.
Authorities noted that Matthews had previously been the subject of a separate organized retail crime investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s office, which also resulted in multiple felony charges across three counties.
Two suspects remain at large
While Matthews is now in custody, investigators are still searching for two other suspects believed to be involved in the theft operation. Alexis Worsham, 31, of Little Rock, remains at large and is facing several felony charges, including three counts of theft of property in Little Rock District Court, one count in North Little Rock District Court, and three additional counts in Saline County Circuit Court.
Another suspect, Erica Jordan, 31, of North Little Rock, is also wanted and faces two felony counts of theft of property in Little Rock District Court.
Attorney General Griffin praised the work of investigators and emphasized the continued focus on addressing organized retail theft across Arkansas, saying “I am grateful for the exceptional work done by my Special Investigations Division and for the assistance of the Little Rock District Court, North Little Rock District Court, and the Saline County Circuit Court. “Our commitment to rooting out organized retail crime in Arkansas is unwavering. Whether part of a large syndicate or a smaller coordinated operation, those responsible will be identified and held accountable.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of Worsham or Jordan to contact the Attorney General’s Office at (501) 682-2007 as the investigation remains ongoing.
