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Florida man accused of $4K meat theft amid relationship drama

Meat Pork chops are on display at a Sam's Club, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Bentonville, Ark. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)

A Florida man is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 worth of meat from two Publix locations in Palm Coast.

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The theft spree was reportedly fueled by relationship drama, as the suspect discovered his girlfriend with another man after the thefts.

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Complex writes:

“Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect hitting one store, then another, within a tight 20-minute window.

Authorities say the first stop happened around 7:43 p.m. at a Publix in the Belle Terre Crossings shopping center, where the man allegedly walked out with about $1,575 worth of beef and lamb. Less than half an hour later, he allegedly struck again at a second Publix near Island Walk, this time making off with roughly $2,000 worth of pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, and a few personal care items for good measure."

The 30-year-old man discarded most of the stolen meat rather than keeping or selling it, resulting in significant losses for the stores.

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The suspect was arrested and booked on felony retail theft charges, with authorities emphasizing that stealing is not the solution to relationship issues.

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Laurel Lee

Laurel Lee

Laurel Lee is a reporter for WDBO and produces various Ask the Expert shows on the weekend.