GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sam Eric Haywood Jr., 36, was arrested on July 19 for allegedly stealing $375 worth of snow crab clusters from a Publix store. Haywood was already part of a Drug Court treatment program due to three prior theft convictions.
Police reports indicate that around 1:23 p.m., Haywood went to the Publix located at NW 13th Street and NW 39th Avenue, selected snow crab clusters valued at $374.44, and placed them in a shopping cart. A store manager followed Haywood and witnessed him leaving the cart inside the store before briefly leaving and then returning.
Upon return, Haywood reportedly demanded the snow crab clusters back from the seafood manager in a belligerent manner. The manager complied, after which Haywood proceeded to self-checkout but only paid for three items totaling $10, leaving the crab clusters unpaid.
After exiting the store, Haywood was later found hiding in an attic on SE 26th Terrace and arrested for petit theft. He also faced three active warrants.
Haywood’s record includes three felony and seven misdemeanor convictions. In December 2024, he entered a plea of nolo contendere in several theft cases and was placed into Drug Court with the condition that violations could lead to sentencing.
Court officers have recommended his removal from the Drug Court program due to missed court appearances and a recent alleged theft of small appliances worth $598 from Walmart.
Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $25,000 for the Publix case and $50,000 for the Walmart case. Haywood remains held without bond on other pending charges.
