Georgia Man Accused of Stealing Hundreds in Steaks from Local Market Appears Before Judge
GEORGIA — A 55-year-old man accused of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of steaks from a locally owned grocery store appeared in court this week, months after the incident sparked outrage among residents and business owners.
Caught on Camera During Summer Heist
Authorities say Robert Witham, of Highgate, was caught on surveillance video stuffing multiple packages of steak into his jacket inside Georgia Market on a hot August day. The footage reportedly shows Witham walking casually through the aisles before leaving the store without paying.
Store owners later released the video publicly, calling the theft “disheartening” and saying it undermined their efforts to support community programs and local food shelves.
“We give back to this town every day — this kind of theft doesn’t just hurt us; it hurts the community we serve,” a Georgia Market representative said following the incident.
Police Identify Suspect from Footage
After reviewing the surveillance video, local police identified Witham and cited him on a charge of retail theft in September. Investigators said the video provided clear evidence linking him to the stolen items, which were valued at several hundred dollars.
Court Appearance and Conditions
Witham appeared before a judge this week, where he pleaded not guilty to the theft charge. The court released him under specific conditions, including an order to stay away from Georgia Market.
He is scheduled to return to court on October 30 for a status conference, where prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to discuss potential plea options or set a trial date.
Community Impact and Store Response
The theft drew strong reactions from locals who frequent the Georgia Market, a long-standing community grocery store known for donating goods and sponsoring local initiatives.
Store management said the loss, while relatively small in monetary terms, highlighted the challenges small businesses face when dealing with repeat thefts and limited security resources.
“We’re a small-town business trying to do good,” one employee said. “Incidents like this make it harder for everyone.”
What’s Next
If convicted, Witham could face fines, restitution orders, or jail time, depending on the total value of the stolen merchandise and prior offenses.
The case continues to serve as a reminder for small business owners across Georgia to strengthen theft-prevention measures and work closely with law enforcement on community safety.
The Saluda Standard-Sentinel will provide updates following Witham’s next court appearance on October 30.
