Central Florida Shoplifting Ring Costs Publix Millions

Over the past ten years, six men have been running a shoplifting scheme in central Florida which has been estimated to have cost Publix millions of dollars. The men, all from central Florida, are mostly in their fifties and used their ages to gain sympathy from the stores allowing them to used motorized carts which facilitated their crimes. They worked with a 22 year old who is the son of one of the suspects. The youngest of this crime ring, he would help to sell the stolen items on Ebay and through local flea markets.

One of the men, Gary Powell, would load his pockets with all types of beauty products. In some instances, the 56 year old man shoplifted as many as 75 packs of Gillette Fusion razor blades each worth about $22.00. Powell hid the stolen items in his clothing or in Publix shopping bags.

It is estimated that the ring of members stealing razors, vitamins and hygiene items were racking up about $60,000 a week in stolen goods.  The money however, was used to purchase drugs to support the men’s habits. The case is being handled by the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

If you have been arrested for theft in Orange County or Seminole County, Florida, call the experienced attorney’s at Tilden law for your free initial consultation.