Four Charged with Organized Retail Theft

Los Angeles, Ca.-Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that four men have been charged in connection with organized retail thefts at two Ross Dress for Less stores on two dates in late August.

“The Organized Retail Crime Taskforce and my office’s Organized Crime Division is continuing to aggressively bring those responsible for committing these brazen crimes to justice,” District Attorney Gascón said. “This type of criminal activity places an enormous burden on our local businesses and is an assault against our entire community. My office will not tolerate this blatant disregard for the law and the negative impact it has on our economy and neighborhoods.”

Valentino Skinner (dob 05/12/2001), Marquis Marshall (dob 05/04/1992), Isaiah Tobias (dob 09/23/1990) and Avery Tywann (dob 08/06/1980) each face one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and two counts of second-degree robbery. Skinner and Marshall each also face two counts of grand theft. Marshall and Tobias’ charges include special allegations of one or more serious or violent felony convictions.

Skinner, Marquis and Avery pleaded not guilty at their arraignments in Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on August 30. Tobias pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in the same courthouse on August 31. The four defendants’ preliminary hearing settings are scheduled for September 13 in Dept. 37 of the Foltz Center.

On August 25, 2023, Skinner and Marshall allegedly drove to Ross Dress for Less located at 8985 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. They are accused of entering the store and immediately taking merchandise in the presence of store employees.

On Aug. 28, 2023 at about 6:17 p.m., prosecutors assert Skinner, Marshall and Tobias entered the Ross Dress for Less store at 10818 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City and immediately began to take merchandise without paying. Avery allegedly waited in getaway car. All defendants allegedly drove together to the area of Alvarado and 8thStreet — an area known for the resale of stolen items.

Anyone with information about these types of incidents or the identity of additional suspects is asked to call the Organized Retail Crime Task Force at (818) 374-9420. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).