POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 58-year-old Mulberry man, Jose Martinez, was arrested on felony theft charges after stealing a pair of sunglasses from a Walmart store, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 25th, shortly after noon, when a PCSO deputy responded to a report of retail theft at the Mulberry Walmart. Store security reported that Martinez had selected a $78 pair of sunglasses from a display, put them on, and replaced them with his old pair before leaving the store.
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Store security provided deputies with a detailed description of Martinez and his name, as he had used a card with his name on it during a previous transaction.
Martinez was located and apprehended. He confessed to the theft, stating he was “being stupid.” However, authorities noted that this was not Martinez’s first offense, as he has three prior theft convictions, one in Seminole County and two in Sarasota County.
Martinez was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with Felony Petit Theft due to his prior convictions.
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