By Drew Dixon
A Palm Beach man suspected of conducting 75 thefts at multiple Target department stores across South Florida and into Central Florida in the past year has been charged.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that 39-year-old Keith Wallis is facing three felony counts of dealing in stolen property and one charge of felony money laundering.
“Florida has the number one economy in the nation because of our commitment to law and order,” Uthmeier said in a news release. “Organized retail theft drives up prices for consumers, and that is not a result we are going to tolerate. These schemes will be met with the maximum punishment allowed under the law.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office joined forces in the investigation with the Martin County and Broward County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. Investigators say the thefts were committed between July and this month. The stores that were ripped off ran from Miami into the Orlando area.
Investigators say Wallis stole multiple large boxes of trading cards and 99-cent packets of taco seasoning. When he went through the self-checkout lane, he would only pay for the taco seasoning while putting the trading cards into purchase bags without paying for them.
The scheme resulted in a loss of more than $10,000 from the various Targets. Meanwhile, authorities say Wallis sold the stolen goods and amassed $40,000 in revenue.
“This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft, no matter how coordinated or far-reaching, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “Those who profit from stealing in our communities will be held accountable.”
While Wallis has been arrested, the investigation is ongoing, and officials say there may be additional thefts at Walmart and Publix stores.
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