Three South Florida Suspects Apprehended in Martin County Following $8,000 Baby Formula Theft Spree

Deputies in Martin County arrested three suspects with 262 cans of baby formula after a multi-store theft spree targeting Publix locations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 6:05 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WPTV News Channel 5.

A Targeted Retail Operation

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office has dismantled a sophisticated retail theft operation that specifically targeted essential baby supplies. Investigators identified the suspects as 18 year olds Tanajah Mason and Amoni Pettway, along with 15 year old Briannah Cooper. According to Sheriff John Budensiek, the group traveled from Miami with the express purpose of hit-and-run style shoplifting at major grocery chains. The arrests come amid a notable rise in organized retail crime throughout South Florida, with baby formula becoming a primary target due to its high resale value and consistent demand.

The Pursuit and Recovery

The investigation reached a climax on Tuesday after deputies received reports of suspicious activity at a Publix on Bridge Road in Hobe Sound. Witnesses reported that the suspects systematically cleared the shelves of baby formula before fleeing the scene. A "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) alert was issued for the suspects' rental vehicle, which was spotted heading south on I-95. Florida Highway Patrol assisted in a traffic stop that led to the discovery of a massive haul: 262 cans of baby formula packed into the car. The recovered merchandise has an estimated retail value of $8,000.

The Economics of Shoplifting

During a Thursday news conference, Sheriff Budensiek shed light on the financial motivations behind the crime. Investigators determined that the suspects were operating within a black-market supply chain, reportedly receiving $1,000 for every 100 cans they successfully boosted. Before their apprehension, the group had already targeted a second Publix location south of Cove Road in Stuart. The Sheriff emphasized that these are not crimes of necessity but are instead part of a lucrative, organized criminal enterprise that impacts both corporate bottom lines and local supply availability for parents.