NACDS member to testify at congressional hearing on behalf of Walgreens

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Frank Muscato, organized retail crime investigator for Walgreens, will testify before the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Monday to discuss the effects of organized retail crime on retail pharmacies.

In July, Reps. Brad Ellsworth, D-Ind., and Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, introduced the Organized Retail Crime Act of 2008 (HR 6491). The bill would amend federal criminal code, making it illegal to engage in activities that further organized retail crime.

Soon after, Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., chairman of the subcommittee, introduced the E-Fencing Enforcement Act of 2008 (HR 6713), which addresses the selling of stolen goods online.

In the Senate, S. 3434, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2008, was introduced by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill. The Durbin bill would clarify existing law to give law enforcement the tools to prosecute ORC, require online and offline marketplaces to investigate suspicious sales, and place basic disclosure requirements on online marketplaces.

Muscato’s testimony will take place at 4 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building as the committee has a hearing on House and Senate bills meant to combat organized retail crime.