CRIM CD-ORG RETAIL THEFT

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Creates the offense of organized retail theft. Provides that a person commits the offense when he or she either: (1) with the aid or assistance of another person commits the offense of retail theft of property, the full retail value of which exceeds $650 during any 180-day period and takes or causes that merchandise subject to the retail theft to be moved to or placed in the control of a retail property fence with the intent of monetary or other gain; or (2) receives, possesses, conceals, stores, barters, sells, or disposes of with the intent to distribute, any merchandise that has been taken or stolen in violation of this provision, with the intent to distribute the proceeds, or to otherwise promote, manage, carry on, or facilitate a retail theft or an organized retail theft. Provides that a person who commits organized retail theft shall forfeit to the State any proceeds obtained from the sale or disposition of merchandise obtained from the violation. Provides that a violation is a Class 2 felony. Effective immediately.