Gainesville, FL – A multi-day retail theft enforcement operation across Alachua County resulted in seven arrests as local and state law enforcement partnered with retailers to curb organized theft during the busy holiday shopping season.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO), deputies conducted the operation on December 5, 2025 (Friday), and December 12, 2025 (Friday), working alongside the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and local loss prevention officers at major retail locations.
ASO officials said members of the agency’s FOCUS Unit and detectives assisted GPD in locating a wanted suspect, Quinetta Quinn, in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Walmart. Authorities said the incident involved a loss prevention officer being pepper-sprayed during the encounter.
During the operation, deputies also assisted GPD with a separate missing person investigation at Butler Plaza. According to law enforcement, an elderly individual with dementia had wandered away from a Walmart on foot. Deputies canvassed the area, gathered information, located the individual, and safely reunited them with family members.
Throughout the enforcement effort, officers documented a total of four sworn complaints related to organized retail crime, officials said. The following individuals were arrested and now face criminal charges: Charles Aldridge, Joseph Barnes, Latonya Fletcher, Sandrika Webb, Tina Land, Quinetta Quinn, and one juvenile. Authorities did not immediately release specific charge details for each arrest.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office credited strong interagency cooperation and retailer partnerships for the results, emphasizing that holiday-focused enforcement aims to deter theft while ensuring a safer shopping experience for customers and employees.
Officials said similar collaborative efforts may continue through the remainder of the holiday season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
