A Florida police officer was arrested Saturday after allegedly using Walmart’s self-checkout registers to commit multiple thefts, authorities said.
David Griffin was charged with five counts of petit retail theft, according to a news release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He resigned from his position with the Haines City Police Department following his arrest.
The sheriff’s office said a Walmart employee noticed Griffin putting items into his bag at the self-checkout counter without scanning them. The employee approached Griffin and pointed out the items that had not been scanned. Griffin allegedly continued to place unscanned items into bags after the employees left.
Griffin was accompanied by Shelbi DuBose, who was also arrested and charged with four counts of petit retail theft. According to the sheriff’s office, the two men scanned items in the store and paid for $207.72, but then left with $343.22 worth of items that had not been scanned.
Walmart staff reviewed Mr. Griffin’s use of his debit card in the store and security camera footage, and determined that Mr. Griffin It was discovered that he had committed four thefts. DuBose was involved in three of his cases.
“It is always unfortunate when someone in law enforcement commits a crime and betrays the trust of the community,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. We will absolutely hold Mr. Griffin accountable for his actions. The only right thing he did was to resign immediately after his arrest.”
Haines Police Chief Greg Gorek said the arrests are “very concerning.”
“His actions are not representative of the dedicated men and women who serve our community with honor and dedication every day,” Gorek said. “Please know that had Officer Griffin not resigned, his termination would have been swift and decisive. We do not tolerate such behavior and will continue to do so through accountability and transparency. We are committed to maintaining the public’s trust.”
Griffin joined the Haines Police Department in June 2019, public information officer Zachary Hamelton told The Ledger.