Photo: Stock Image
BERKELEY — A woman suspected of masterminding organized retail thefts was arrested last month by Berkeley police. Maljanae L. Williams, 30 of San Francisco, allegedly committed five grab and run thefts at the North Face Outlet Store in Berkeley. Berkeley PD placed Williams under arrest on the morning of March 26 at her apartment. She remains in custody at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail in lieu of $400,000 bond.
The suspect is no stranger to law enforcement. Williams has prior convictions for grand theft, second- degree burglary, and second-degree robbery. Since 2015 she has been arrested nine times. Her prior arrests involved an assault, burglaries, robberies, and other offenses.
The suspect’s most recent arrest resulted from months of investigation. Evidence was gathered from video surveillance recordings, cell phone and GPS data. Investigators also recovered items from the store found inside Williams’ car. Multiple charges were filed March 28. Her charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and second-degree commercial burglary.
She allegedly was responsible for planning and the sophistication of thefts involving a great monetary value. Williams and other women allegedly targeted the outlet store twice in January. Three other organized retail thefts occurred last year in December, October, and February. Stolen jackets and sweaters had an estimated retail value exceeding $50,000.
Williams has been the subject of investigations of organized retail thefts in San Francisco. In addition, she may be involved in more crimes in other states.
