Florida Man Accused of Stealing Nearly $4,000 in Meat From Palm Coast Publix Stores, Then Dumping It After Confrontation at Girlfriend’s Home

FLORIDA — A Jacksonville man is facing felony charges after deputies say he carried out a calculated retail theft spree at two Publix grocery stores in Palm Coast, stealing nearly $4,000 worth of meat in less than 20 minutes before allegedly throwing most of it away later that night.

Surveillance Video Ties Suspect to Two Publix Thefts

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, surveillance footage from January 5 shows 30-year-old Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna entering the Belle Terre Crossings Publix around 7:30 p.m. Investigators say he carefully selected premium cuts of beef and lamb valued at $1,574 before exiting the store without paying.

Less than 20 minutes later, deputies say the same suspect drove to the Island Walk Publix in Palm Coast, where he allegedly stole an additional $2,084 worth of meat, including pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, along with personal care items.

Deputies Say Theft Was “Calculated and Intentional”

Detectives later identified Alvarez Reyna as the driver of the same vehicle used in both thefts. During questioning, deputies say he admitted to the thefts, confirming he visited both stores in rapid succession. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly described the incident as more than simple shoplifting.

“This wasn’t just a case of someone trying to ‘meat’ their budget,” Staly said. “This was a calculated, high-stakes operation that left two stores with significant losses.”

Suspect Claims Meat Was Thrown Away After Domestic Dispute

According to deputies, Alvarez Reyna told investigators that after arriving at his girlfriend’s home, he discovered she was cooking with another man. He allegedly claimed that, following the confrontation, he threw away most of the stolen meat. Investigators did not indicate whether the discarded items were recovered.

Arrest, Charges, and ICE Detainer

Alvarez Reyna, identified as a Cuban national, was arrested and charged with felony retail theft. He was booked into the Flagler County Jail, where he is being held on a $5,000 bond. Authorities also confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on him as the investigation continues.

Part of a Growing Trend in Meat-Theft Cases

The arrest marks the second meat-related theft case reported in Florida this month, following a separate South Florida incident in which another man was caught on camera stuffing steaks into his pants. Law enforcement agencies across the state have noted an increase in organized retail theft involving high-value grocery items, particularly meat, which can be easily resold.

What do you think — are harsher penalties needed to curb organized retail theft, or is this part of a broader economic problem? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.