Man accused of stealing $800+ in liquor by hiding bottles in his waistband

St. Johns County deputies are searching for a man who took multiple trips to a Publix liquor store and walked away with 14 bottles of liquor- without paying for a single one.

Investigators say this suspect was seen walking in to the Tuscan Way Publix liquor store- off Pacetti Road and State Road 16- around 7PM last Thursday. He was with a woman and two small children at the time.

Surveillance footage shows the man put large bottles of liquor in his waistband and then walk out of the store. All four came back a short time later and the suspect took more liquor, according to SJSO. In all, the suspect is accused of stealing 14 bottles, valued at more than $800.

The suspect is described as a black man in his 30s or early 40s with a heavy build. He was wearing a black t-shirt with white writing, grey gym-style shorts, a black ball cap, and black slippers. The woman accompanying the suspect was wearing a purple tank top and black yoga-type pants. She had glasses hanging off her neck and a light colored hair wrap. Deputies are identifying the two as a couple, saying the woman was holding a young black male toddler and also brought a young black female child.

If you have any information about this suspect or incident, you can contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304 or vgillis@sjso.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip and be eligible for a possible reward by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.