STUART, FL– A Sheriff’s deputy has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly stealing baby clothes, groceries, and other items from a Walmart.
The incident allegedly occurred at the store on Gatlin Boulevard on March 1.
Investigators say Deputy Nelson Garcia used the self-checkout line and attempted to defraud the system by picking up several items at a time but only scanning one of them.
Garcia reportedly had $278.72 worth of merchandise in his cart but only paid $114.97 for them.
He has since been arrested and taken to the St. Lucie County Jail.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an internal investigation.
Garcia has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.