Cosmetic shoplifting crew arrested

SEBRING -- Four people from Polk County were arrested yesterday, March 10, and charged with being part of an organized shoplifting ring that has been targeting Ulta Beauty stores in Central Florida. 

Dispatch was called at 10:10 a.m. regarding a group of people who had just stolen thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the Sebring Ulta. The caller also gave a good description of the vehicle they were driving. 

The vehicle was located heading into Avon Park. When a deputy tried to pull it over, the occupants started tossing items -- which turned out to be security tags from the stolen items -- out the window before they eventually stopped. Inside the car, deputies found multiple items that had been taken from the store with the security tags still attached and beeping. 

Arrested and charged with coordinated retail theft over $3,000 and conspiracy to commit a second-degree felony were:

  • Ashley Nicole Harris, age 30, of Lake Wales

  • Tarques Ricardo Williams, age 26, of Winter Haven

  • Takeira S. Carter, age 25, of Haines City

  • Javontae J. Holton, age 23, of Winter Haven

It is believed the same people have been involved in dozens of similar crimes, both at the Sebring location and other Ulta Beauty stores around Central Florida. In fact, Holton and Williams were out on bond from a November, 2020 Lake County arrest for retail theft.

This investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be filed. If you have any information, please contact Det. Steve Worley at 863-402-7250 or email detectives@highlandssheriff.org. Anonymous tips can be left via the HCSO app or at Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS, **TIPS (mobile only) or www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.


Note: Not all arrests result in convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.

mugshots of the four suspects