With the persistent threat of retail crime affecting the safety of employees, customers, and surrounding communities, arrests alone aren’t enough. Without support, store teams remain trapped in a cycle of repeat incidents and limited follow-through. Lasting impact comes from accountability, deterrence, and real results, where ALTO makes the difference.
This case study explores how ALTO partnered with a national pharmacy chain, the local prosecutor’s office, and law enforcement to secure a felony conviction against a repeat offender, delivering real consequences and stronger results for the store.
Case Overview
In a Washington, D.C. neighborhood, a known repeat offender repeatedly targeted an ALTO-supported national pharmacy location and surrounding retailers. Aware of local misdemeanor thresholds, he carefully committed thefts just below the threshold, avoiding legal consequences that might have deterred future crimes. Over time, however, the volume and severity of incidents triggered the need for escalated legal action.
Initially charged with misdemeanors, the case remained in lower court jurisdiction. But recognizing the pattern and risk to the community, ALTO’s legal team partnered with the local prosecutor to reassess the case. Together, they successfully aggregated charges, elevating them to a felony-level case.
How ALTO Intervened
1. Thorough Evidence Collection
ALTO’s on-site team gathered and organized critical evidence, including surveillance footage, reports, and witness statements. By mapping out a clear pattern of criminal behavior, ALTO provided prosecutors with a compelling case narrative that demonstrated the severity and frequency of the offenses.
2. Collaboration Across Stakeholders
Retail crime prevention is not a solo effort. Serving as a liaison between store teams, law enforcement, and the prosecutor, ALTO maintained consistent communication and ensured all parties stayed aligned. When prosecutors explored elevating charges, ALTO facilitated the aggregation of incidents to build a stronger and more actionable case.
3. Advocacy During Legal Proceedings
ALTO’s legal team worked directly with store staff to prepare a powerful victim impact statement, ensuring their voices were heard in court. The presiding judge, familiar with ALTO’s work, delivered a firm message to the defendant about community impact and accountability.
4. Strategic Legal Action
Throughout weeks of negotiation, ALTO remained engaged at every step, pushing for a resolution that prioritized safety and accountability. The final plea included four months of incarceration, three months of supervised probation, and a stay-away order from the store.
Results and Impact
- Felony Conviction: What began as a series of misdemeanor charges resulted in felony-level consequences.
- Improved Safety: Legal consequences and a stay-away order provided renewed peace of mind for store employees.
- Community Confidence: The case reaffirmed the store’s role as a valued community anchor, protected by real accountability.
Through strategic teamwork, legal expertise, and end-to-end support, ALTO helped turn a cycle of repeat offenses into a courtroom win.
ALTO goes beyond apprehensions, offering a comprehensive playbook to retail partners to hold offenders accountable and reduce recidivism. Learn how partnering with ALTO can help your team focus on business and day-to-day operations in a safer, more secure environment.
