Jorge Gonzalez, a 30-year-old Boston resident, is facing charges for thefts from a Family Dollar store and resisting arrest. District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced the charges on February 5, 2024. Gonzalez was arraigned in Dorchester BMC last Tuesday. He was charged with unarmed robbery, carrying a dangerous weapon, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, and assaulting a police officer twice. Judge Thomas Kaplanes set Gonzalez’s bail at $10,000 and revoked his bail on pending cases. Gonzalez’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 20.
The charges against Gonzalez have raised concerns about retail crime. Hayden’s office, regional retailer groups, and small business owners have held meetings to discuss safety and strategies to combat shoplifting and retail larcenies. The closure of several pharmacies in Boston’s minority communities has also been a concern.
Hayden highlighted the impact of shoplifting on store employees, business owners, and communities. He noted that Gonzalez’s repeated thefts, while out on bail for similar offenses, were unacceptable. Hayden assured that measures would be taken to protect employees and customers.