WESLEY CHAPEL, FL (WFLA) – Three woman suspected in a retail theft at the Tampa Premium Outlet Mall are in custody, each facing multiple theft charges.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Toccara Huff, Ayanna Palacio and Sharhonda Pedroso Tuesday. Deputies said the women entered Saks Fifth Avenue and ran out with $1,539.78 worth of merchandise. Investigators caught up with the woman 15 minutes later, about 8 miles away.
The arrest was recorded on a deputy’s body camera.
“You’re going to be going to jail for felony retail theft, OK, because the clothes you stole from the store had a GPS tracker on them,” the deputy says.
“I ain’t did nothing,” one of the suspects said.
Deputies used an anti-theft tracking device that was attached to merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue.
“It was a complete surprise to them,” Sgt. Richard Jones said.
Deputies said this is the first time they’ve caught suspects using a GPS tracker. “Obviously criminals will be more creative in committing crimes, so obviously, law enforcement, loss prevention have to be just as creative in catching those criminals,” Jones said.
“They were giving us minute by minute locations on where the property was,” he added. “We have to do what we can to prevent the crime, so it should be looked at as a deterrent as well.”
Shopper Jessica Cangeme. said this technology will be common in the future.
“I think that’s pretty awesome. I think it’s gonna help stores find thieves. I think it’s an example of technology, you know helping out everybody,” Cangeme said.
Deputies said the women were in possession of all the merchandise from Saks Fifth, as well as merchandise from Pacific Sunwear and Hollister.
Deputies said the trio utilized a rental car from Advantage Rentals and booster bags.
The women are suspected in thefts in other counties.