The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Emiliano Santos, 49, for Grand Theft and other charges following an attempt to steal electronics at a local Walmart.
On April 16, 2020, at 8:40 a.m. deputies responded to the Walmart located at 6192 Gunn Highway in Tampa. After prying open a display case and removing approximately $1600.00 worth of electronics, Santos put the contents into an emptied box of children's toys. He paid for the worth of the toy box (with the electronics concealed inside of it), and attempted to exit the store. Santos was stopped by loss prevention employees who called HCSO. He was later arrested on charges of Grand Theft Third Degree and Possess Or Use Of Anti-shoplifting Device.
During the course of their investigation, deputies discovered Santos appeared to be the same suspect who committed similar thefts at other Walmarts in Central Florida.
Just prior to and on the same day as the above incident, Santos opened a display case at the Walmart located at 7011 Waters Avenue West. This time, he concealed his face with underwear and stole about $2800.00 worth of electronics. Santos was charged with Grand Theft Third Degree While Wearing A Mask and Possess Or Use Of Anti-shoplifting Device for this particular incident.
Santos also matched the subject of a similar offense committed earlier this year, on February 11, 2020, at the Walmart located at 6192 Gunn Highway. There, he stole about $1500.00 worth of electronics. Santos was charged with Grand Theft Third Degree.
Detectives with both the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department are investigating three other additional cases where the suspect used a similar approach.
"This repeat offender doesn't seem to learn his lesson," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I hope his third arrest for the same type of crime will be his final. This should be an example to everyone who tries to take advantage of a person or a business: you will be caught and charged to the fullest extent of the law."