Two individuals recently received sentences for their involvement in a theft operation that targeted Walmart stores across 11 states, accumulating over $350,000 in stolen merchandise. This widespread criminal activity highlights the challenges retailers face in securing their assets across multiple locations, including those in the Myrtle Beach area.
Anthony Belser was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with the first five years to be served in confinement and the remainder on probation. George Mayo received a sentence of 20 years, with the initial seven years to be served in confinement, followed by probation. These sentences were handed down on September 19, 2026, marking a significant development in the case.
The thefts were carried out in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The scope of the operation underscores the organized nature of the crimes, impacting numerous communities and retail establishments. While specific Myrtle Beach Walmart locations were not detailed in the court records, the presence of South Carolina in the list of affected states indicates that stores within the Grand Strand region could have been targets.
The legal proceedings took place in Georgia, where the two men were convicted under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. This act is often used to prosecute individuals involved in organized criminal enterprises, reflecting the systematic approach taken in these thefts. The convictions and subsequent sentencing serve as a deterrent for similar large-scale retail theft operations that can impact local economies and businesses, including the many retail outlets that support Myrtle Beach’s tourism-driven economy.
