Stafford Man, Lacey Woman Indicted in Retail Theft Scheme

A Stafford man and a Lacey women have been indicted by an Ocean County grand jury for their role in what is being called an "organized retail theft enterprise."

Bryan A. Johnson, 25, of Stafford, and Kayla F. Burdette, 22, of Lacey Township, were indicted on charges of second degree shoplifting, for crimes committed "in furtherance of or in conjunction with an organized retail theft enterprise," and second degree leader of an organized retail theft enterprise.

Johnson was also charged with third degree possession of oxycodone; fourth degree impersonation; third degree possession of Suboxone; and fourth degree shoplifting.

The pair's scheme, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, allegedly employed by Johnson and Burdette involved at least eight other individuals and occurred over a period of approximately six months. Johnson and Burdette's criminal enterprise affected multiple retail chains in Stafford and Toms River, authorities said.

The prosecutor's office credited the work of the Stafford police department for the investigation leading to the indictment.

Johnson is in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.