ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Five people were arrested during a two-day retail theft enforcement operation in northern St. Johns County that targeted suspected thefts at several major retailers.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Property Crimes Unit conducted the operation in partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as part of FDLE’s statewide Retail Theft Initiative.
On Aug. 3, detectives were conducting surveillance around the Burlington and Ross stores on Durbin Pavilion Drive when they observed three people enter the businesses and later leave with allegedly stolen merchandise.
Detectives arrested Carlos Garvin, 20, Ivory Monroe, 25, and Laroy Cannon, 28. All three were charged with Retail Theft Over $750 Working in Concert.
Investigators determined the group allegedly stole more than $1,400 worth of merchandise between the two stores.
Authorities said Monroe also had an active theft warrant out of Jacksonville at the time of his arrest. Garvin was on probation for a previous retail theft offense, according to the sheriff’s office.
Home Depot Theft Leads to Two More Arrests
Detectives continued the enforcement operation the following day at the Home Depot on Durbin Pavilion Drive.
On Aug. 4, Home Depot loss prevention employees alerted investigators to a man allegedly pushing a shopping cart filled with merchandise out of the store without paying.
Detectives identified the man as Zane Sublett, 32.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sublett approached a parked SUV after leaving the store but ran after noticing law enforcement vehicles. Detectives pursued him and quickly took him into custody.
Investigators said Sublett had taken more than $1,500 in merchandise from Home Depot. He was charged with Grand Theft and Resisting Without Violence.
Deputies subsequently stopped the SUV associated with Sublett. A passenger, identified as Daron Johnson, 32, was arrested on active warrants. The sheriff’s office did not disclose the charges associated with those warrants.
Combined, investigators reported recovering more than $2,900 worth of merchandise during the two days of enforcement.
“Retail theft enforcement plays a critical role in protecting businesses, reducing economic loss, and enhancing public safety,” SJSO Intelligence Lt. West Kennedy said. “This collaborative effort demonstrates the continued commitment to maintaining a safe commercial environment and supporting the community.”
The sheriff’s office said the FDLE initiative is intended to help agencies identify repeat offenders and organized theft groups and prevent additional retail crimes in their communities.