$3,000 Walmart theft spree over 3 weeks

Two Florida corrections officers, Kaitlyn Thomas and Shaun Smith, are accused of stealing over $3,000 worth of merchandise from Walmart stores in Bay County over a three-week period. The theft spree allegedly involved the pair taking LEGO sets and Magic: The Gathering cards from stores in Callaway, Panama City, and Lynn Haven.

The investigation took a significant turn when authorities utilized a license plate reader system to track a white Hyundai Sonata connected to the thefts. On August 17, deputies responded to a Walmart in Callaway following a reported theft, and investigators learned the suspects had reportedly left in the white Hyundai Sonata. By using Flock license plate recognition technology, deputies were able to track the vehicle's movements.

The Sonata was spotted traveling on Highway 77 near Highway 388 and a traffic stop was conducted. Surveillance footage from the store later helped investigators connect Thomas and Smith to the reported theft. After their arrest, Thomas reportedly admitted to visiting multiple Walmart locations for about three weeks, during which time they allegedly stole Magic: The Gathering cards and LEGO sets.

During a search of the white Hyundai Sonata, investigators found over $3,000 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise. Further examination revealed that some of the items did not originate from the Callaway Walmart, suggesting the investigation should extend to other Bay County stores. The case involved cooperation between the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Lynn Haven Police Department, and Panama City Police Department.

Thomas and Smith, both identified as Florida state correctional officers at the time of their arrest, have been charged with multiple counts of grand theft.