Operation Blitz Targets Organized Retail Theft in Harris County

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Gulf Coast Criminal Investigators Association, have launched Operation Blitz, a targeted enforcement campaign aimed at disrupting organized retail theft.

The operation comes amid a surge in retail theft, with over 2,300 related incidents reported in Harris County since May 2024. In the first two weeks alone, deputies arrested 12 individuals and recovered more than $4,000 in stolen goods. Several arrests led to additional charges for drug possession, weapons violations, and felony evading.

“Organized retail crime is not just shoplifting; it’s a gateway to more dangerous criminal activity,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “These suspects often carry weapons, have open warrants, and are tied to broader networks.”

Among those arrested was Kenneth Pilgreen, a repeat offender with open warrants and ties to thefts totaling more than $42,000 from Home Depot and Lowe’s. A new felony theft charge was filed after linking him to another HCSO case.

In another major case, deputies arrested Nneka Owunna, the alleged ringleader of a 23-member group targeting high-value cosmetics. Investigators say Owunna sold stolen items through an Amazon storefront that generated $1.1 million in 2023.

A separate investigation led to charges against a mother-daughter team, Ta Taneisha White and Johnette Jackson, accused along with four others of stealing more than $30,000 in fragrances and cosmetics from multiple Sephora stores. Jackson remains at large. Anyone with information is asked to contact HCSO’s Burglary and Theft Unit at 713-274-9200.

Sheriff Gonzalez said Operation Blitz will continue throughout the year, combining uniformed and undercover enforcement to crack down on retail crime.