GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Carl Neal Lewis, 60, was arrested on August 31 and charged with felony petit theft after allegedly stealing 19 Gator shirts, Tide Pods, and t-shirts from Butler Plaza Walmart.
At around 1:30 p.m., a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) observed Lewis purchasing four containers of Tide Pods before leaving the store. He then returned, picked up four more containers, and walked through the self-checkout without paying. Surveillance footage confirmed that he did not pay for the additional Tide Pods.
Shortly after, Lewis re-entered the store, selected a backpack, 19 Gator shirts, and four more Tide Pods containers. He concealed multiple t-shirts in the backpack and again bypassed the self-checkout without payment. When he attempted to exit, the LPO intercepted him and escorted him to the loss prevention office, where he was identified. Authorities recovered $668.53 worth of merchandise.
Following his arrest, Lewis admitted to having a crack cocaine habit and being two months behind on rent. He stated his intent was to sell the stolen items to cover his rent payment.
Lewis faces felony petit theft charges, being a third or subsequent offense due to previous convictions in Broward County. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set his bail at $10,000.
