NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two women have been arrested and another one is wanted after a search of an East Nashville apartment uncovered a "brazen shoplifting scheme" and thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise, officials said.

The Metro Nashville Police Department said officers executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 500 block of Shelby Avenue on Monday, July 14. Authorities reported officers discovered a "cache of stolen merchandise," adding that the kitchen resembled a small store.

Detectives recovered approximately $8,000 worth of children's clothing and backpacks with the tags still attached, and $2,000 worth of stolen household and bathroom products.

According to police, the trio stole merchandise from multiple retailers, including: Nike, Hibbett Sports, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Ross, Publix, Walgreens and Bath & Body Works.

One of the women—identified as 31-year-old Asia Crawley—has reportedly been convicted of robbery and had her name on the lease of the apartment. On Monday, she was arrested for 12 outstanding warrants, including two counts of organized retail crime, six counts of theft, and four counts of probation violation. Booking records show Crawley is being held in Metro Jail without bond.

Meanwhile, one of her alleged accomplices—identified by police as 26-year-old Chaisha Brown—was charged with one count of organized retail crime and three counts of theft. She remains jailed on a $14,000 bond.

A third woman believed to be connected to the scheme—identified as 30-year-old Lamonica Ensley—is wanted for one count of organized retail crime and 14 counts of theft. Ensley was reportedly convicted of felony theft in February and was ordered to serve 77 days in jail, and was later released on probation.

Police described the women's shoplifting activities as "brazen" and described two incidents where they were involved:

Wednesday, July 2

According to an arrest report, the trio walked into a Nashville Bath & Body Works store, each with one hand basket in their hand. The women were then captured on surveillance video walking toward the candle wall and filling the baskets with as many candles as they could hold.

After the women loaded the baskets with approximately 90 three-wick candles, which totaled $2,450.50, they were then spotted selecting 60 wall fragrance plug-ins for a value of $477.00, concealing the items in their purses.

Law enforcement said the women then selected 10 soaps, which valued $199.90, and six body lotions for a value of $95.70. Once the items were concealed, the women reportedly walked out the store with $3,198.10 worth of unpaid items.

Thursday, July 3

Police said staff at the Lowe's on 10 East Campbell Road reported a shoplifting incident on Thursday, July 3, which involved three women. According to staff, the woman walked to the tool aisle, grabbed two pairs of bolt cutters, and then went to the flooring aisle and cut open a lock on the cage containing vacuums.

An arrest report states the women selected five robot vacuums, and ran to the front of the store after being approached by an employee, passing all points of sale. Due to the store's surveillance video, detectives said they were able to identify the women as Crawley, Brown and Ensley.

In addition, a detective reported seeing a social media post made by Crawley where she posted a Black and Decker robot vacuum for sale for $80.

"Organized Retail Crime detectives are working diligently to identify prolific shoplifters, realizing that instances of theft cause prices to rise for everyone else," wrote the MNPD in a statement about the incident.

Anyone who knows of Ensley's whereabouts is asked to call Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

No additional information was released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/2-women-arrested-1-wanted-for-connection-to-shoplifting-scheme-across-nashville-police-say/