WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — Two people accused of fraudulently purchasing gift cards with stolen credit card information have become the first individuals arrested by a new task force aimed at combating organized retail theft in northwest Ohio.

James Haley, 30, of Columbus, and Shondel Tyshon Smith, 27, of Reynoldsburg, were arrested May 28 by investigators with the Northwest Ohio Regional Retail Crime Task Force, according to a press release from Attorney General Dave Yost's office. They face fifth-degree felony charges of identity fraud and forgery.

The investigation began after Walmart staff in Perrysburg Township reported suspicious gift card transactions. Authorities said the suspects were using credit card information belonging to a Florida resident to buy multiple gift cards. A laptop and

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