Riverview Man Accused In $10K Winn-Dixie Theft Spree Across Hillsborough County

TAMPA, FL — A Riverview man was arrested following an investigation into an alleged eight-month theft spree targeting Winn-Dixie stores across Hillsborough County

Julian Mitchell, 44, is accused of stealing nearly $10,000 worth of merchandise from various stores between March 10 and Nov. 25, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Surveillance footage showed Mitchell manipulating the self-checkout process during more than 100 separate transactions, deputies said.

Investigators from the HCSO Retail Theft Unit determined he avoided paying full price for items at four Winn-Dixie locations.

Detectives identified a consistent theft pattern and connected Mitchell to the incidents through the repeated use of the same loyalty number, the sheriff’s office said.

Items allegedly stolen, by failing to pay full price for them, included multiple packs of steaks, chicken wings, laundry detergent, diapers and toilet paper.

Deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Mitchell, who was subsequently taken into custody on Feb. 4.

His charges include two counts of retail theft of $3,000 or more and one count of retail theft or coordinated retail theft of $750 or more, HCSO said.

“This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in Hillsborough County,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Crimes like this don’t just hurt businesses, they drive up prices for hardworking families at the checkout line. Our Retail Theft Unit works closely with our retail partners to identify repeat offenders, hold them accountable, and protect our community.”

Mitchell was on active probation starting Dec. 2 related to a prior Tampa Police Department case. As a result, he additionally faces charges of violation of probation for cocaine (sale/manufacture/delivery), cocaine possession and marijuana (sale/manufacture/delivery), HCSO said.

See Also:

• FL Man Buried In Mud For Days Found Alive: Sheriff
• 1 Killed, 2 Seriously Injured In Manatee County Crash: FL Troopers
• Man In Critical Condition After Tarpon Springs Mobile Home Fire: Officials
• Pinellas Woman Leads Troopers On 115MPH Chase In Pasco County: FHP
• Police ID Mother, 2 Children Killed In Lakewood Ranch Murder-Suicide