WINTER HAVEN, FL. – Polk County Sheriff’s detectives have charged a Winter Haven man with felony petit theft after his Polk County retail theft crime spree at different Lowes stores.
Charles Levin, 62, of Avenue F SE in Winter Haven, has an extensive criminal history, including 34 previous felonies, 47 previous misdemeanors, and 5 trips to state prison.
During the months of August and October 2021, Levin committed retail theft at two different Lowes stores in the Auburndale and Winter Haven areas.
On August 29, 2021, Levin loaded a shopping cart with over $550.00 worth of merchandise at the Winter Haven Lowes and attempted to leave without paying. He was stopped by Asset Protection. He left the store in a white SUV.
On October 5, 2021, he was again seen by Asset Protection loading $428.00 worth of stolen power tools in a white Toyota Highlander SUV. He fled the parking lot with the merchandise.
On October 21, 2021, Asset Protection received a report of a stolen trailer from the Auburndale store. They reviewed video surveillance and recognized Levin. He attached the stolen trailer to a white Toyota Highlander. The trailer was worth $969.00. He then used the trailer to steal a riding lawn mower from in front of the store – the value of the mower is $2,000.00.
On October 29, 2021, Levin was arrested by the Winter Haven Police Department after he was caught attempting to steal a generator and a rug from the Winter Haven Lowes. He bonded out the next day.
Lowes Asset Protection contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Organized Retail Crime Unit and an investigation ensued. PCSO detectives obtained a warrant for Levin’s arrest, and he was taken into custody on Tuesday evening, November 9, 2021. Levin has three previous convictions for theft, in 1990, 1995, and 2001. He has been charged with three counts felony petit theft, 3rd or subsequent offense (F3).
“This suspect is the prime example of why our agency has an Organized Retail Crime Unit. We work hand-in-hand with asset protection and loss prevention personnel at stores all over the county – they are the eyes and ears in the stores, giving us the information we need to make cases against organized retail crime. Retail theft affects everyone – it drives up costs for retailers and consumers,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. It’s Free And Coming To Apple Users Soon
Support journalism by clicking here to our GoFundMe or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here
- Drone Footage At Rittenhouse Trial Reveals Clearest Footage Yet Of Rosenbaum Shooting
- Retired Florida Man Gets An Early Christmas Gift, $1,000,000
- “I’m Just Going To Kill You” Florida Man Who Called 911 For A Ride Home, Arrested Again For Strangling Mom
- Tampa Holiday Tradition Winter Village Returns With Outdoor Ice Rink And Tampa Bay Lightning Themed Fun
- Kenny Chesney Returns To The Road With Here And Now 2022, Tampa April 23