FLORIDA — A Jacksonville man has been arrested after authorities in Flagler County say he stole nearly $4,000 worth of premium meat from two Publix grocery stores in Palm Coast.
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance video from Jan. 5 showed the suspect, Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna, 30, entering the Belle Terre Crossings Publix in Palm Coast. Investigators said Alvarez Reyna left the store with $1,574 worth of premium beef and lamb without paying.
Less than 20 minutes later, authorities said he went to the Island Walk at Palm Coast Publix, where he allegedly stole an additional $2,084 worth of merchandise, including pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, and personal care items.
Detectives said Alvarez Reyna was identified through surveillance footage and his vehicle, which was seen leaving both stores after the thefts.
The sheriff’s office said Alvarez Reyna, a Cuban national, was taken into custody and charged with felony retail theft. He was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was being held on a $5,000 bond. Officials also said a detainer was placed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
