On 3-19-13 at 10:45 am, the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the Sweet Bay grocery store at 7131 North Highway 441, in reference to a retail theft. The defendant, Robert Mitchell, was seen concealing two cans of sardines valued at $1.98 while he was shopping. The defendant was detained until Deputy Tonnesen arrived on scene to arrest Mitchell. The defendant explained that he was homeless and living in a camp near SR326 and I-75. Mitchell stated that he had $2,700 in cash and a food stamp card with available funds. He was directed to empty out his pockets where he removed a large amount of cash, a pocket knife and a plastic bag of coins. Deputy Tonnesen then asked Mitchell if he had anything else on his person and Mitchell asked if he was being arrested. The Deputy confirmed that he was being arrested for retail theft and Mitchell stated "I've got a big bag of marijuana". The defendant then produced a gallon size freezer bag full of marijuana.
ARRESTED: W/M Robert Lee Mitchell, DOB: 6-3-64
CHARGES: Retail petit theft and drug possession |