POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared details Friday about the arrest of a suspect accused of stealing groceries from a local Publix supermarket. Sheriff Judd, known for his candid and colorful press conferences, praised the hardworking employees at Publix, including his own son, while emphasizing the importance of accountability for theft.
According to Judd, the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Andrew Sylvester, entered a Publix store and loaded a shopping cart with groceries before walking out without paying. Not stopping there, Sylvester returned to the store, filled another cart with groceries, and attempted to leave again.
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“Publix has great employees, but like all stores, they also have security cameras,” Judd said. “What are you morons going to learn? You can’t steal stuff and walk out without being caught on video.”
Deputies were alerted to the theft in progress through a 911 call. When deputies arrived, they arrested Sylvester as he attempted to leave with two carts full of groceries valued at $450.
“We arrested Andrew Sylvester with not one, but two buggies full of stolen property,” Judd said. “This wasn’t his first rodeo either—this is his fifth conviction.”
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Given Sylvester’s prior convictions, the theft was classified as a felony. He has since been booked into the Polk County Jail.
“Let this be a lesson,” Sheriff Judd added. “If you steal from Publix—or anywhere else—you’re going to end up in jail. And in Polk County, arresting thieves is a pleasure.”
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