WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A multi-agency investigation into a widespread retail theft ring operating across South and Southwest Florida has led to charges against a 35-year-old man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars in cosmetics and high-end merchandise.
According to an arrest affidavit filed by Detective Jamesloo Charles of the West Palm Beach Police Department, Ruben Costa Chirino of West Palm Beach faces a charge of organized retail theft. Investigators allege that Chirino targeted major retail chains across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Lee, and Collier counties between June and August 2025.
Court documents detail a methodical pattern of thefts targeting stores including ULTA Beauty, CVS Health, Target, and Walgreens. Police report that the suspect would routinely enter stores empty-handed or carrying concealed bags, head directly to the cosmetics, fragrance, or men’s apparel aisles, and clear entire displays of merchandise into messenger bags, backpacks, and cooler totes before exiting without paying…