Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that Timothy Ruffini, a former Cobb County Assistant District Attorney (ADA), has been chosen to lead the state’s new Organized Retail Crime Unit.

The purpose of the unit is ” combating the criminal networks that are engaged in recurring thefts and acts of violence targeting businesses throughout the state,” according to a news release from the AG’s office.

The unit will be part of the AG’s Prosecution Unit, which includes the Gang Prosecution Unit, the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and the White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit.

“Tim is a talented prosecutor whose knowledge and experience will prove essential as we work to combat organized retail crime throughout our state,” said Carr. “At a time when it’s incredibly difficult to hire staff, where workforce is cited as one of the most significant challenges facing businesses of all sizes, the additional concern a potential employee now has is for his or her own personal safety. With our new statewide Organized Retail Crime Unit, we will continue to serve as a force multiplier by working with all levels of law enforcement to dismantle these increasingly violent and brazen networks once and for all.”

Funding for the new Organized Retail Crime Unit is included in the state’s FY 2025 budget.

“Those who steal from Georgia businesses will absolutely face consequences,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “That’s why we made funding this unit a budget priority: to put those who profit from the loss of others on notice that we will not stop in ensuring justice. I’m confident the Attorney General’s Office will diligently carry out this mission and help keep Georgia the best state in the nation to do business.”

According to the news release from last May announcing the creation of the unit:

Georgia businesses are estimated to lose over $3 billion to retail theft annually. This includes $1.6 billion in stolen goods and $326 million in lost tax revenue, along with 17,000 lost jobs. According to a 2021 study, nearly 76 percent of retailers reported physical assault against an associate as a result of organized retail crime, while 41 percent reported attacks involving a weapon. This unlawful activity can also be linked to other criminal operations, including gang activity, human and drug trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering.

“I’m honored to join Attorney General Carr as we continue to build upon the excellent work and reputation of the Department of Law’s Prosecution Division,” said Ruffini. “I look forward to building a team of dedicated prosecutors and investigators who will work alongside our business partners, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement, to relentlessly combat the growing problem of organized retail crime and the violence associated with it.”

While working for the Cobb DA’s office, Ruffini was assigned to the Marietta, Cobb and Smyrna (MCS) Organized Crime Task Force Narcotics Unit. According to the announcement, Ruffini has handled felony investigations ranging from aggravated assault and armed robbery to gang, drug and racketeering indictments.

Prior to his position in Cobb, Ruffini had worked as an ADA in Chatham County.

Ruffini’s hire takes effect today.