Arraignment

(WNY News Now) – Three alleged leaders and six other suspects are charged in an organized retail theft ring accused of stealing $850,000 from T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods through an elaborate return-fraud scheme spanning 1,000 stores across nine states.HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges on Thursday, October 24, 2024, against three alleged leaders of an organized retail theft ring that authorities say manipulated return policies to generate nearly $850,000 in payouts from major retailers. The ring primarily operated in southeastern Pennsylvania, affecting over a thousand store locations across nine states.The accused leaders, Davon Whitfield, 40, of Roslyn; Naima Scott, 47, of Abington; and Zonay Griffin, 26, of Philadelphia, along with six ad...

(WNY News Now) – A Niagara Falls man with a criminal record, including past convictions for kidnapping and manslaughter, now faces serious federal charges related to fentanyl and firearm possession.BUFFALO, N.Y. – Derrel Austin, 46, of Niagara Falls, NY, has been arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon, according to a recent announcement by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. If convicted, Austin faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years, and up to a $5 million fine.The criminal complaint details that Austin, previously convicted in Erie County Court for kidnapping and manslaughter in October 1995 and October 2009, came under investigation following a parole check conduct...