South Bay Woman Charged with Shoplifting at SeaWorld

South Bay Woman Charged with Shoplifting at SeaWorld

South Bay Woman Charged with Shoplifting at SeaWorld

SeaWorld is not a usual target for thieves, or at least it wasn’t until earlier this year when authorities arrested a 52-year-old woman for shoplifting in Florida’s SeaWorld Orlando park. Police charged her with grand theft and retail theft after they discovered that her car contained more than $300 worth of merchandise – including stolen baby strollers that she used to do the actual thieving. The woman is now facing two felony charges in South Bay, Florida.

Park Security Calls It

SeaWorld Orlando park security saw the woman rummaging through a collection of strollers outside of Shamu Stadium, where park-goers often leave them. The guard watching the cameras noticed that a woman was searching several strollers before choosing one and taking off into the crowd. Employees continued to watch the woman through the many cameras strategically placed through the park. The arrest report states that security officers recorded camera footage of the woman walking into a gift shop and putting a toy into the stroller before walking out. She was stopped trying to exit the turnstile. After a quick investigation, authorities found her purse “overflowing with merchandise.”

Police escorted her to her vehicle, where they found even more misappropriated articles, including a deer costume, a bubble wand, and several ponchos, amongst other things. In total, authorities recovered 38 items.

Final Charges

Once SeaWorld’s security team found the stolen products, the park turned custody of the alleged thief over to the state police. Police charged the woman with grand theft, which is a third-degree felony, meaning there’s a possibility that she will be get placed behind bars. If not, the court can instill heavy fines and several years of probation.

The second charge of retail theft in the third-degree is also punishable by either five years in prison or $5,000 in fines. Finally, SeaWorld barred the woman from its parks throughout the country.

A spokesperson from Sea World didn’t wish to comment on the matter.

Legal Representation for Out-of-State Charges

Making this case even more complicated, the alleged thief is a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes in California. Once released on bail, it’s her responsibility to hire a Florida-based legal team that can represent her in court. As a state full of tourists and attractions, unfortunately, Florida sees hundreds of cases like this every year.

Some individuals choose to ignore their charges, which is not a good idea. If the allegations are minor, the state may put out a warrant for their arrest. Or, if a person fails to show up for their court date because they reside in another part of the country, the judge can keep the defendant’s bail money, and pass the warrant on to a judge in the individual’s home state. A person charged with multiple felonies should contact an experienced attorney immediately or else risk having to serve time in another county.

Florida Lawyers You Can Trust

If you or a loved one have been charged with a crime while visiting another county or state, you need to have a reputable local law firm that knows the law where the offense took place. The Umansky Law Firm has over 100 years of combined experience in criminal defense practice and can represent you, protect your rights, and try to get the best possible outcome for any charges you might be facing. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case.

South Bay Woman Charged with Shoplifting at SeaWorld
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