LAKELAND, Fla. — Randy Thomas Whitfield, 59, of Lakeland, with a criminal history of 16 prior felony convictions, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on multiple counts of grand theft, burglary, and dealing in stolen property following an extensive investigation into business burglaries and theft of lawn equipment.
The investigation began on February 9, 2026, after Southwest District detectives responded to a burglary at a lawn business on Combee Road South. Surveillance footage showed a masked male stealing multiple Echo-brand blowers, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, and edgers valued at approximately $13,950, using a white Ford F-150. Detectives identified Whitfield as the owner of the truck and connected him to similar crimes in Lakeland and Plant City dating back to November 2025.
On February 23, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at Whitfield’s East Lime Street apartment. Whitfield was found walking to his truck carrying stolen tools from a recent burglary at Lakeland Public Works. Authorities recovered a large quantity of stolen tools and illegal drugs in his residence. Whitfield initially admitted to selling the stolen items at flea markets but declined further questioning.
Whitfield faces multiple felony charges enhanced by the use of a mask during the crimes, including:
8 counts burglary (F2)
3 counts grand theft $10,000–$20,000 (F2)
3 counts grand theft $750–$5,000 (F2)
7 counts criminal mischief (F3)
7 counts possession of burglary tools (F2)
1 count dealing in stolen property (F2)
1 count petit theft (F3)
1 count possession of methamphetamine (F3)
1 count possession of Alprazolam (F3)
1 count possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)
Sheriff Grady Judd praised the thorough investigation, saying, “My detectives solved a burglary trend through hard work, thorough analysis, and cooperation with other agencies. This is why crime in Polk County is at an all-time low – we study crime patterns and trends and put the people who are committing the crimes in jail.”
The case remains active as investigators continue reviewing additional evidence and potential related crimes.
