Woman Charged With Grand Theft After Stealing $8,300 in Meat and Seafood

Many people shoplift food and other small items. Perhaps they are hungry and poor. Some people steal for the thrill of it. However, very few people steal thousands of dollars in items from the same store. But one woman did and now she is facing felony criminal charges.

The Hialeah woman was recently arrested for the theft of thousands of dollars worth of meat and seafood from a Publix in Florida Keys. The 35-year-old woman faces charges of grand theft and knowingly giving false information to law enforcement after she defrauded a Publix out of $8,364 in meat and seafood in March.

The woman’s arrest is part of a larger investigation. It is believed that multiple people used stolen credit cards to pay for tens of thousands of dollars in meat and seafood from the Publix on multiple occasions.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the case. More arrests may be pending.

Grand Theft in Florida

In Florida, grand theft is a serious criminal offense that involves the theft of property or money above a certain value, and it is classified as a felony. The exact classification depends on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime.

Stolen property valued at $750 or more is third-degree grand theft. This is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.

Stolen property valued at $20,000 or more is considered second-degree grand theft. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Stolen property valued at $100,000 or more is first-degree grand theft. This is the most serious offense, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

Certain situations can elevate the theft to grand theft, even if the value is lower. These include:

• Theft of a motor vehicle.
• Theft of a firearm.
• Theft from a dwelling.
• Theft during a state of emergency.
• Theft of property from a person aged 65 or older.

Grand theft differs from petty theft in that petty theft involves property valued less than $750. It is usually classified as a misdemeanor. Grand theft is always a felony, carrying much harsher penalties.

Grand theft carries significant legal consequences such as:

• Felony record. This can impact employment, housing, and even voting rights.
• The court may require repayment of stolen property value.
• Probation or prison. This depends on the degree of grand theft and prior record.

Common defenses for grand theft include:

• Lack of intent to steal.
• Mistaken ownership.
• Coercion or duress.

Contact Us Today 

Stealing a high-dollar item or many items of value can lead to grand theft charges. These are serious felony offenses, so you need to protect yourself.

If you have been arrested or accused of a firearms crime, contact a Fort Myers grand theft attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We will evaluate the circumstances of each case to identify the best possible defense strategy. To schedule a consultation, call (239) 332-3300 or fill out the online form.

Source:

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