A suspect involved in the theft of over $1,000 worth of liquor from a Publix store in The Villages has been apprehended. Cherline Floreal, 28, from Miami, was taken into custody on Monday, facing a felony charge of theft.
On September 22, Floreal and a male accomplice entered the Publix liquor store at Magnolia Plaza, making off with $1,137 worth of liquor, as detailed in an arrest report from the Wildwood Police Department.
The theft involved taking a total of 21 bottles of liquor from the store. While Floreal’s male companion distracted the clerk, she concealed the bottles in a black-and-white striped shoulder bag.
The entire incident was captured on surveillance footage. Subsequently, they departed the parking lot in a white Nissan.
Wildwood police initiated a criminal bulletin and collaborated with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which was investigating similar thefts. The license plate on the Nissan led back to Floreal. The Publix clerk identified Floreal from a photo lineup.
Floreal was charged with theft and booked at the Sumter County Detention Center. She was released after posting a $2,000 bond.
