BRANDON, Fla – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has recovered more than $15,000 worth of stolen merchandise following a retail theft operation in Brandon.
On April 8, 2025, detectives from HCSO’s Organized Retail Theft Unit were conducting surveillance at Regency Square Plaza. They observed a woman placing multiple items into her purse while inside a retail store.
The woman, identified as 46-year-old Stephanie Valdez, was detained by detectives after she left the store without attempting to pay for the merchandise.
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Detectives then observed several bags filled with retail items in plain view inside Valdez’s vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 worth of goods stolen from various retail stores.
Valdez reportedly admitted to repeatedly shoplifting since February.
She was taken into custody and is currently facing a charge of Felony Petit Theft.
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Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the seriousness of retail theft, stating, “Let me be clear, retail theft is a crime, and it will not be ignored. When someone steals thousands of dollars in goods, they are not just targeting a store, they are stealing from our community. We will not allow criminals to treat hardworking people and businesses as easy targets.”
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