Press release
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrests of two individuals following a
multi-agency investigation into an organized retail theft scheme targeting department stores
across Orleans, Genesee, and Monroe Counties.
On January 12, 2026, as a result of a coordinated investigation by the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Kirk A. Thomas Jr. (41) and Nevada M. Nichols (33), both of Batavia, New York, were arrested in connection with multiple thefts from Walmart locations in the region.
The investigation began after the Albion Walmart reported a theft on January 6, 2026, in which more than $1,400 in merchandise—primarily electronics—was stolen. Surveillance footage showed a male and female suspect leaving the store in a white BMW with no license plates. Further investigation revealed the same suspects were involved in additional thefts at Walmart locations in Albion, Brockport, Sweden, Batavia, and surrounding areas, resulting in thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise.
Through coordinated investigative efforts, including surveillance review, intelligence sharing, vehicle identification, investigators identified Thomas and Nichols as suspects. The vehicle used in the thefts was located and secured by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and search warrants executed by Orleans and Monroe County investigators resulted in the recovery of stolen property, which was subsequently recovered.
On January 12, 2026, Thomas and Nichols were taken into custody with the assistance of
New York State Parole.
In Orleans County, both defendants were charged with:
- Two (2) counts of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (A Misdemeanors)
- Two (2) counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (E Felonies)
- Enterprise Corruption (B Felony), stemming from an alleged ongoing pattern of
organized retail theft activity - Nevada M. Nichols was released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Town of Albion Court. Nichols was also arrested and released by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Batavia, and by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree in the Town of Sweden.
- Kirk A. Thomas Jr. was held in custody by Orleans County pending a bail hearing. Thomas has an extensive criminal history in New York State, having been previously arrested 48 times for similar offenses and convicted of eight felony crimes.
Additional charges for both are anticipated from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office as the
investigation continues.
The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Parole, and Walmart Asset Protection for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation coordinated by Orleans County Sheriff’s Investigator Brian Marsceill. This case highlights the effectiveness of interagency collaboration in addressing organized retail theft and protecting local businesses.
Sheriff Christopher M. Bourke