Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Curteeciah La’shay Bessent, 23, was arrested yesterday for stealing almost $1,700 in merchandise from two Gainesville Publix stores on March 31.

Bessent allegedly went to the Publix at 5200 SW 34th Street at 12:33 p.m. on March 31 and took 17 cans of infant formula, air filters, a trash can, a mop, and a bucket, totaling $440.70, passing all points of purchase without paying.

At about 2:54 p.m. on the same day, she allegedly went to the Publix at 3930 SW Archer Road and took 47 cans of infant formula, pet food, air conditioner filters, and a latch box, totaling $1,213.92.

Post Miranda, she reportedly admitted taking the items.

Bessent, whose listed address is in Coral Springs and who told court officials she’d been in Alachua County for one day, has been charged with theft, grand theft, and engaging in a scheme to defraud. She has no criminal convictions but has three pending cases in Orange and Broward counties, including two theft cases. Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $30,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.