A years-long racketeering investigation has led to the arrest of nine people tied to a Broward pawn shop operation accused of orchestrating a statewide retail theft ring that cost major retailers millions in losses.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Pawn—operating storefronts and warehouses in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale—was at the center of the criminal enterprise. Detectives say the shop’s employees paid professional thieves, often called “boosters,” for stolen merchandise including over-the-counter medications, electronics, tools, and health and beauty products—many still in sealed boxes from retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Home Depot, and Walmart. The goods were then resold online.
The operation was allegedly led by U.S. Pawn owner Igor Melomed, 46, and supported by staff who helped move and resell the stolen items. Investigators say the ring extended beyond Broward County and had ripple effects across Florida.
“This was quite the operation—very lucrative, unfortunately,” said BSO Sgt. Rich Rossman during a Tuesday press briefing.
The investigation began in 2022. In December 2023, detectives served search warrants at U.S. Pawn’s Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale locations, seizing more than 50 pallets of stolen merchandise valued at over $750,000. Authorities say the volume was so overwhelming, employees at times closed the stores to process the incoming goods, which were delivered in wagons and trash bags.
“Everybody was going to U.S. Pawn,” Rossman said, noting how investigators began seeing a trend involving multiple major retailers.
On Tuesday, seven suspects were arrested, joining two others who had been taken into custody earlier. All face charges ranging from racketeering to dealing in stolen property.
Arrested and Charged:
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Igor Melomed, 46 – 1 count of racketeering
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Marie Turene, 34 – 1 count of racketeering, 1 count of dealing in stolen property
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William LaCroix, 58 – 1 count of racketeering
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Lyndon Johnson, 37 – 1 count of racketeering, 3 counts of dealing in stolen property
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Edward Ibragimov, 39 – 1 count of racketeering
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Kevin Gilyard, 37 – 1 count of racketeering, 1 count of dealing in stolen property
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Luis Bustos Diaz, 36 – 1 count of racketeering
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Natalia Kudelina, 49 – 1 count of dealing in stolen property
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Natalia Khodyreva, 40 – 2 counts of dealing in stolen property
BSO officials say the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities praised the close cooperation from affected retailers throughout the probe.
“This wasn’t just petty theft. This was a highly organized operation that hurt businesses across the state,” Rossman said.
