Florida baby formula theft ring busted after 150 store heists and $1 million in sales

State and local authorities say they have broken up a large baby formula theft and resale operation involving more than $1 million in transactions across several Florida counties. The 15-month-long investigation, dubbed Operation Formula One, focused on nine people whom investigators described as professional shoplifters. Authorities said they stole baby formula from stores across Florida, including locations in Palm Beach County, and sold it to two alleged ringleaders. The stores targeted included Publix, Walmart, Target, CVS and Walgreens, according to investigators. Authorities connected the operation to more than 150 separate baby formula thefts. Investigators said the stolen formula was sold to two Lake Worth residents for about one-fifth of its retail price. The two then allegedly resold the products for a profit. Palm Beach County sheriff’s detectives said they searched a warehouse in Davie on Sept. 1 and recovered about 1,000 cans of baby formula with an estimated retail value of $38,000. Investigators said the warehouse was not climate-controlled and the temperature outside was above 90 degrees at the time of the search. Authorities said the products were apparently intended for distribution. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said organized retail theft affects families as well as businesses. “People often refer to it as a victimless crime, and it is not,” Uthmeier said. “In a case like this, we’ve had shelves at stores empty with baby formula, prices going up, security costs going up, ultimately hurting our consumers, our moms and babies. So, we’re not going to tolerate it.” Investigators said they reviewed store surveillance video, photographs, communications, ledgers and financial records. They also used search warrants and subpoenas to connect the alleged shoplifters to the two suspected leaders. Authorities identified $1.1 million in financial transactions during a seven-month period reviewed as part of the investigation. The two suspected ringleaders each face one count of conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of directing the dealing of stolen property. Authorities said all three charges are first-degree felonies. Each defendant could face up to 90 years in prison if convicted on all charges. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV