CALLAWAY, Fla. — Two Florida state corrections officers face multiple grand theft charges after investigators used license plate recognition technology to track a vehicle connected to a series of alleged retail thefts.
Kaitlyn Thomas, 32, and Shaun Smith, 20, are accused of stealing more than $3,000 in merchandise during a three-week period, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Both were identified as corrections officers.
The sheriff’s office said the thefts happened at Walmart stores in Callaway, Panama City and Lynn Haven. The merchandise reportedly included LEGO sets, Magic: The Gathering cards and other items.
After Thomas and Smith left the Callaway Walmart in a white Hyundai Sonata, investigators used the Flock camera system to locate the vehicle near Highway 77 and Highway 388, the sheriff’s office said. A deputy spotted the Sonata and conducted a traffic stop.
Deputies reviewed store surveillance video that linked the pair to the reported thefts. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered more than $3,000 worth of merchandise believed to have been stolen.
Thomas and Smith were each charged with multiple counts of grand theft. Authorities have not said whether additional charges are expected or whether the arrests will affect their employment as corrections officers.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Lynn Haven Police Department and Panama City Police Department.
