St. Pete teens accused of 19 liquor store thefts across Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Four teenage girls from St. Petersburg were accused of stealing from 19 liquor stores across the state of Florida.
According to a release from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), two 16-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested in Port Charlotte on Tuesday after a series of Publix liquor store thefts.
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Publix locations in Venice and North Port “were victims of organized retail theft of liquor” earlier that day. North Port police called CCSO to warn them the suspects’ car was heading their way on the interstate.
Deputies waited at the Publix on Peachland Blvd. in Port Charlotte, assuming that store would be the group’s next target. Their black Kia sedan pulled into the parking lot and deputies waited as the four teens headed into the store.
North Port police also warned the Publix manager that the group may stop at their store next. The manager spotted the girls and ran to lock the door.
According to CCSO, two of the teenagers complied when stopped by deputies and the other two ran away. They were each carrying large purses, which deputies believe were used to hide the alcohol during the alleged thefts.
(Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office) (Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office) (Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)
The final two suspects were detained by deputies. One was found hiding in bushes on a median, according to CCSO.
“This is a perfect example of the power of intelligence-led policing,” Sheriff Bill Prummell wrote in a statement. “As I have said before, we have excellent working relationships with our surrounding law enforcement agencies, and it has paid off once again.”
Deputies found over 50 liquor bottles when searching the car, according to CCSO, and the girls reportedly confessed to committing several thefts. In total, the group was accused of 19 thefts in 16 different law enforcement jurisdictions, beginning in December 2023.
The four teenagers are due in court on April 2nd.
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