RIVERVIEW, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Julian Mitchell, 44, accusing him of manipulating self-checkout systems at multiple Winn-Dixie locations and stealing nearly $10,000 worth of groceries over an eight-month period.
Investigators say Mitchell targeted four stores across the county since March 2025, allegedly avoiding full payment for high-priced items such as steaks, chicken wings, laundry detergent, diapers, and toilet paper. Detectives linked more than 100 visits to Mitchell after discovering he used the same loyalty number during each transaction.
Authorities did not detail the specific method used to manipulate the self-checkout system. However, Dr. Read Hayes, a criminologist and research scientist at the University of Florida, noted that there are dozens of ways offenders attempt to bypass payment at self-checkouts. His research team works with more than 180 retail chains and is using artificial intelligence to detect suspicious activity in real time.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the case goes beyond routine shoplifting. “This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in Hillsborough County. Crimes like this don’t just hurt businesses — they drive up prices for hardworking families at the checkout line,” he said.
At the time of his arrest, Mitchell was reportedly on active probation for a prior drug-related case. Online records indicate he remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
