POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A 42-year-old man, Andrew Sylvester, was arrested on Tuesday, November 12th, after being caught shoplifting at a Publix store in Lakeland.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call about a retail theft in progress at the Publix located at 5185 US 98 South. Upon arrival, they found Sylvester outside the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid groceries valued at $243.92.
READ: Teen Duo Arrested For Crime Spree In Poinciana: Polk County Sheriff
Store employees reported that Sylvester had previously stolen another cart of groceries worth $206.10, bringing the total value of stolen merchandise to $450.02.
Given Sylvester’s extensive criminal history, including five prior theft convictions, he was arrested and charged with two felony counts of retail theft. He was subsequently transported to the Polk County Jail.
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