Sarasota, FL – Deputies in Sarasota County arrested 11 individuals during a targeted holiday retail theft operation at the University Town Center (UTC) mall, conducted November 18–20 as the region enters peak shopping season.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the initiative—called Operation Holiday Shield—was led by the Tactical Unit, Intelligence Unit, Criminal Investigations Section, and Patrol Bureau. Officials said the goal was to identify and disrupt organized and repeat theft activity ahead of the holiday rush, when UTC typically sees a seasonal increase in retail crime.
During the three-day sweep, deputies arrested 11 suspects on a total of seven misdemeanor and eight felony charges. Investigators said three of the individuals had no prior criminal history, while the remaining eight collectively held 111 prior felony charges and 117 prior misdemeanor charges.
Those arrested included:
• Aleksandra D. Bobala – Grand Theft
• Antwan Blackmon – Petit Theft, two prior convictions
• Edyta B. Sullivan – Grand Theft
• Fred A. Gentile – Obstruction
• Issac B. John – Warrant: Arrest Petit Theft
• Lee S. Spengler – Petit Theft, Obstruction
• Lisa M. Friday – Petit Theft, Obstruction
• Orestes L. Calero Jr. – Petit Theft, two prior convictions
• Perla Carreras – Petit Theft
• Saquona S. Jenkins – Petit Theft, two prior convictions, possession of anti-shoplifting device
• Vincent S. John – Warrant: probation violation for fleeing to elude, failure to appear
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman said the operation demonstrates the agency’s commitment to reducing retail theft and deterring repeat offenders. “This proactive enforcement was able to disrupt and hopefully deter criminal activity,” Hoffman said. “The results show our commitment to stopping organized theft, preventing repeat offenders, and ensuring the safety of our community.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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