A 39-year-old Pompano Beach man was arrested in Broward County as part of a statewide investigation into organized retail theft involving trading cards.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the case was developed in collaboration with the Florida Attorney General’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution, with assistance from sheriff’s offices in Broward and Martin counties. Authorities stated that the investigation focused on a series of alleged thefts at retail stores across Florida.
Sources report that between July 2025 and February 2026, the man allegedly committed 75 thefts at multiple store locations ranging from Orlando to Homestead. Investigators believe he selected large boxes of trading cards along with low-cost grocery items, such as taco seasoning packets. He allegedly used self-checkout registers to scan and pay only for the lower-priced items before leaving the stores with the trading cards.
Authorities stated that the stolen merchandise was reportedly sold online through an eBay account. The statewide prosecution office reported that retail stores experienced losses exceeding $10,000, while the sheriff’s office alleged that approximately $39,000 in revenue was generated from the online sales. At Target stores alone, investigators reportedly connected him to 39 incidents resulting in more than $5,000 in losses. Additional thefts were reportedly suspected at Walmart and Publix locations.
Before the arrest, investigators conducted a controlled purchase as part of a money laundering investigation. Authorities stated that funds from that transaction were deposited into the man’s personal bank account.
The suspect is facing multiple felony charges, including organized retail theft, dealing in stolen property, and money laundering. If convicted on all counts, he reportedly faces a potential sentence of up to 90 years in state prison. He is currently being held in the Broward County Jail on $452,500 bail.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.