By Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested Joshua Cas Wilkes, aged 41, along with his teenage son, following allegations that they stole goods from Bass Pro Shops on three separate occasions.
On the evening of June 11, at approximately 7:45 p.m., deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office were called to the Bass Pro Shops located at 2650 Bass Pro Shops Blvd. This response came after reports that Wilkes and his son had exited the store and were attempting to evade an Asset Protection Officer (APO).
According to a report from the APO, surveillance footage captured on May 20 shows Wilkes and his son entering the store at around 6 p.m. The video allegedly depicts the pair scouting the flashlight aisle before selecting items worth $279.96. They are accused of removing the products from their packaging, concealing them within their clothing and bags, and leaving the premises without payment.
Further surveillance from June 9 reportedly captured the duo repeating similar actions. On this occasion, they allegedly selected items valued at $539.94, concealed them, and exited the store without making any purchase.
On June 11, the suspects entered the store again and allegedly began selecting items and removing them from their packaging. The APO confronted them and told them to stop, but they allegedly fled on foot from the store without paying for the items, valued at $334.97. Bass Pro Shops staff reportedly maintained sight of the suspects and reported that they discarded the stolen items as they ran. Deputies arrived and detained Wilkes and his son.
Wilkes reportedly stated spontaneously that he had fentanyl, and a search incident to arrest reportedly produced 0.02 grams of fentanyl.
Wilkes and his son were both charged with organized retail theft over $750, tampering with evidence, and resisting a retail merchant. Wilkes has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Wilkes has seven felony convictions (non-violent) and five misdemeanor convictions (two violent); he spent six months in the Alachua County jail following a domestic battery arrest in February 2025. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $215,000.
Additional informaton on Wilkes’ son was not provided.
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.