CLERMONT, Fla. (CBS12) — A 36-year-old woman was arrested in Clermont after attempting to steal merchandise from Publix, claiming she was entitled to it because she had fixed pipes under the store.
The incident took place around 3:35 p.m. on Thursday at the Publix located at 250 Citrus Tower Blvd. Police were called after store employees noticed Megan Rose Brown hiding items in recycled bags. The complainant, who was familiar with Brown from previous theft incidents, reported that Brown had already passed all points of sale and was walking in the parking lot with bags and a purse.
After officers located Brown on a nearby street, they found she matched the description provided by the complainant. Upon approaching her, they asked her to lay down the bags and explained they would be speaking with her.
When questioned, Brown falsely claimed she worked for Publix and stated that she had “fixed pipes under the store,” which is why she believed the merchandise was free. She did not have a receipt for the items, and a search of the bags revealed multiple Publix items totaling $58.35.
While searching her purse, officers found a small baggie containing crystalline substances, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.
Brown, who had a history of petit theft convictions from March 2022, June 2022, April 2023, and December 2024, was arrested again for petit theft (due to her multiple convictions) and possession of methamphetamine. She was transported to Lake County Jail, with her bond set at $10,000.
