MS SB2612

Creates the crime of organized retail theft in Mississippi, defined as obtaining unauthorized control over retail merchandise from a retail establishment with intent to deprive the owner or resell the merchandise, committed in association with one or more other persons.

Establishes tiered theft thresholds that constitute organized retail theft: $500 or more within 30 days, $1,000 or more within 180 days, or $2,500 or more within one year.

Penalties for organized retail theft conviction include a felony charge, fines up to $7,500, and imprisonment of 2-7 years in the Department of Corrections.

Requires courts to order convicted defendants to make restitution to retail merchant victims and to reimburse law enforcement and prosecutorial entities for investigation and prosecution costs, and allows forfeiture of proceeds, property, and instruments used in the crime.

Directs the Attorney General, Department of Public Safety, and Mississippi Judicial College to develop coordinated training for prosecutors and law enforcement to combat organized retail crime.