Collier County deputies arrested Ericka Elois Doresha Ruth, a 33‑year‑old resident of Lehigh Acres, outside the Coastland Center mall in Naples on Wednesday. Ruth was booked on felony retail theft charges for her alleged role in an organized theft ring that stole more than $800 worth of Birkenstock clogs from the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse on August 30.
Investigation and Arrest
The sheriff’s office received a tip that the vehicle used in the August theft had returned to the county. Using license‑plate tracking and footage from the agency’s Real‑Time Operations Center, deputies located the car parked outside the mall. Surveillance showed Ruth exiting the mall with shopping bags and re‑entering the suspect vehicle, prompting deputies to take her into custody on probable cause.
During the booking process, deputies also discovered marijuana in Ruth’s possession. Investigators noted that no receipts were found for the items in her bags, and they continue to determine whether additional merchandise was stolen.
Sheriff’s Office Response
“Our detectives stayed on this case, and with the help of our Real‑Time Operations Center and deputies, we were able to locate and arrest a convicted felon suspected of being part of an organized retail theft group,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. He added that Ruth had recently completed probation on a prior conviction.
Rambosk warned would‑be shoplifters, “If you plan on coming to Collier County to shoplift, think again. Our deputies and detectives are second to none and they will locate you and arrest you, and we will hold you accountable.”
Community Impact
The swift action underscores the county’s commitment to protecting local businesses and shoppers from organized theft. By leveraging technology and community tips, law‑enforcement officials demonstrate that illegal activity will not go unchecked in Collier County.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office, helping keep Naples and the surrounding area safe for families, shoppers, and local merchants.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
