Paramus police arrested three out-of-state residents on July 31 after officers responded to reports of a group conducting fraudulent merchandise returns at Westfield Garden State Plaza. According to New Jersey 101.5, the call came in around 8 p.m. following reports of two men and a woman attempting to exchange or return goods at multiple stores in exchange for gift cards.
The suspects were identified as Johnny W. Ewell, 44, of Philadelphia; Deshun G. Singleton, 24, of Media, Pennsylvania; and Sylvette Sharon Wynn, 39, of Wilmington, Delaware. Officers apprehended all three as they returned to their vehicle in the mall parking lot.
Paramus Police Chief Robert M. Guidetti said Crime Suppression Unit Sgt. Keith Bland believes the trio was operating as part of an organized retail theft crew, using stolen goods to generate gift cards or cash through fraudulent store returns.
What Officers Seized During the Arrest
Investigators recovered stolen merchandise with a combined value of $3,376.30. The haul included 30 Lululemon clothing items worth roughly $2,522, a pair of sneakers and one garment from Nordstrom totaling $564, two Alo items valued at $122, four Uniqlo articles at $69.80, and four Walmart clothing items worth $98.50…