AG Uthmeier Announces Arrest in Multi-County Organized Retail Theft Scheme

FL Attorney General News Releases

Filed February 26th, 2026

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Keith Wallis for a multi-county retail theft scheme. The scheme involved stealing trading cards from Target stores and selling them online, resulting in over $10,000 in losses for the retailer and nearly $40,000 in revenue for the suspect. Wallis faces up to 90 years in prison if convicted.

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What changed

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Keith Wallis on multiple felony charges, including organized retail theft, dealing in stolen property, and money laundering. The scheme, which ran from July 2025 to February 2026, involved Wallis stealing trading cards from multiple Target locations across Florida and selling them online, causing over $10,000 in losses to Target and generating nearly $40,000 in revenue for Wallis. The investigation is ongoing, with potential additional thefts at other retailers being examined.

This enforcement action highlights the state's commitment to combating organized retail theft, which the Attorney General stated drives up prices for consumers. If convicted, Wallis faces a maximum of 90 years in prison. Regulated entities, particularly retailers, should be aware of this enforcement trend and ensure robust inventory management and loss prevention measures are in place. Law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to investigate and prosecute such schemes.

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Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrest in Multi-County Organized Retail Theft Scheme

View PDF Release Date Feb 26, 2026 Contact Communications Phone (850) 245-0150 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Keith Wallis, 39, of Palm Beach, on two counts of felony organized retail theft, three counts of felony dealing in stolen property, and one count of felony money laundering.

“Florida has the number one economy in the nation because of our commitment to law and order,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Organized retail theft drives up prices for consumers, and that is not a result we are going to tolerate. These schemes will be met with the maximum punishment allowed under the law.”

“This arrest send a clear message that organized retail theft, no matter how coordinated or far-reaching, will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “Those who profit from stealing in our communities will be held accountable.”

This investigation was led by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Statewide Prosecution with assistance from Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

Between July 2025 and February 2026, Wallis committed 75 thefts at multiple Target locations, spanning from Orlando to Miami. In each theft, Wallis would select multiple large boxes of trading cards, as well as an equal number of 99-cent taco seasoning packets. Wallis would then proceed to the self-checkout, where he would pay for only the seasoning packets. He then sold the stolen trading cards on his eBay account.

These thefts resulted in a loss of over $10,000 for Target. Wallis generated almost $40,000 in revenue from selling the stolen goods.

This investigation is ongoing, and investigators believe Wallis committed additional thefts at Walmart and Publix locations.

If he is found guilty on all charges, Wallis faces up to 90 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Chris Olowin and Monique Wilson will prosecute the case in Florida’s Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.