A Nashville shoplifting spree has come to an end as local law enforcement reported the arrest of Sagovia McKenzie, 35, a woman tied to a significant number of thefts from retail stores across Davidson County. McKenzie, with a previous record of theft convictions, now faces new charges that paint a broad canvas of her alleged criminal behavior.
The culmination of her alleged 16-month theft spree occurred when Organized Retail Crime detectives located McKenzie on South 6th Street, reportedly in possession of marijuana and a magnet tool commonly used to bypass security tags at retail stores. The arrest, a result of ongoing investigative work by Nashville police, brings McKenzie to answer for 31 outstanding warrants, 23 of which involve thefts at such establishments as Lululemon, Burlington, Old Navy, Gap, and Sephora. These incidents date back to January 2024, according to a statement released by the Nashville Police Department.
Details surrounding the thefts highlight how retail establishments across the country are grappling with organized retail crime. McKenzie's alleged methodical approach to shoplifting suggests a larger conversation is needed about the resources and tactics to combat such pervasive criminal activities.
Local retailers, often strapped for the right preventive measures, are breathing a temporary sigh of relief with McKenzie's arrest. She is detained on a $135,500 bond, indicating the severity of her suspected involvement in the retail theft network.
