Johnston woman, Brockton man charged in $46K TJ Maxx theft scheme in Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, MA — A Johnston, Rhode Island woman and a Brockton Massachusetts man have been charged in connection with a series of fraudulent returns in a $46K TJ Maxx theft scheme Chelmsford TJ Maxx.

Dara Iantuono, 44, of Johnston, RI, and John Grogan, 54, of Brockton, MA, were both arrested after an investigation into a pattern of fake receipt returns made between April and July.

Chelmsford Police say Officer Michael Buxton began looking into the suspicious activity in June and, with help from store investigators, identified the suspects. On July 10, they were caught trying to pull off another return, this time for $2,508.

Grogan was stopped in the store’s parking lot, while Iantuono, who was nearby in a vehicle, allegedly tried to flee but was quickly intercepted.

Add Grogan was charged with larceny over $1,200 by means of false pretenses.

Iantuono was charged with organized retail crime and as an accessory before the fact to larceny over $1,200.

Both were arraigned in Lowell District Court the next day, released on personal recognizance, and ordered to stay away from TJ Maxx. They’re due back in court on August 13.