UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Deanna Morzinski and Luis Ospina are in custody in Union County, accused of operating an organized retail theft ring that spanned 16 states and is linked to a local nonprofit organization.
The pair allegedly orchestrated the theft of various items, including allergy medicine, pain relievers, and hair regrowth treatments, for online resale.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office estimates the value of the stolen goods at approximately $250,000.
These items were reportedly stolen from major retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Target, and Harris Teeter, then shipped to Union County for resale through a company called KRZ Logistics LLC.
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Authorities say Morzinski and Ospina recruited people from across the country to steal merchandise. The stolen products were then shipped to Union County to be resold for profit.
Lieutenant Matthew Winfrey of the Union County Sheriff’s Office indicated the operation involved online sellers.
Winfrey stated the suspects dealt with “Amazon and Walmart sellers,” offering “a variety of products at a wholesale liquidation price.”
He added that law enforcement believes they have only uncovered a portion of the case so far, saying, “I don’t believe the spider web is complete yet.”
Winfrey also conveyed frustration, noting, “It really does make me mad.”
The suspects are tied to a Union County nonprofit called KeyStep, which, according to its LinkedIn page, is dedicated to helping foster youth aging out of the system.
Investigators noted the organization operated a food pantry and assisted children with essential items such as shampoo.
Turning Point In Union County Executive Director Jessie Linberg, a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, expressed concern over the allegations.
Linberg, who was unfamiliar with KeyStep, highlighted the potential damage to public trust in the nonprofit sector.
“If you’re creating some level of uncertainty or doubt with nonprofits, that hurts all of us,” Linberg said. He also questioned the financial aspects of KeyStep’s operations.
“Where did the money go? That would be the first thing,” Linberg said. “And, you know, maybe not from a Turning Point standpoint, do I want to know that, but as a from a donor standpoint, I’m sure their donors would like to know exactly where their money went.”
Investigators state that more charges and arrests are possible as the investigation continues.