Share and Follow
Reported by Staff
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Earlier this week, authorities apprehended 46-year-old Algier Vanshawn Bess on charges related to domestic violence and a series of five shoplifting incidents. Notably, during one episode, he reportedly brandished a knife at an employee of ABC Liquor.
According to allegations, Bess consistently targeted ABC Liquor located at 5820 NW 34th Boulevard. He reportedly attempted to evade detection by disguising himself in various vests and attire, posing as either a Walmart employee or a nurse.
A Gainesville Police Department officer noted that surveillance footage captured Bess on multiple occasions removing liquor from the store. The stolen items included bottles valued at $90.98 on March 22, $215.94 and $7.49 on March 23, and $43.98 on April 4. On April 6, he allegedly stole liquor worth $55.98, and upon returning to the store later that day, he is said to have threatened an employee with a knife. Although the employee did not see the weapon, the officer confirmed its presence on video.
The officer further stated that Bess is recognized by local law enforcement under the moniker “Cash App.” Surveillance footage from other stores captured him donning the same disguises he used at ABC Liquor.
On April 18, a GPD officer tried to detain Bess in the 5900 block of NW 25th Terrace, but he allegedly ran; the officer noted that he was wearing “nursing scrub” pants.
On April 25, a woman reported that Bess punched her in the face multiple times, causing a laceration on her face, lumps on her head, and bruises on her arms from being grabbed. She said she tried to leave, but Bess kept threatening her and blocking her from leaving. She said she feared for her life and waited until he fell asleep to sneak out and call 911.
Bess has been charged with six counts of felony petit theft with two or more prior convictions, improperly displaying a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer without violence, felony domestic battery, and false imprisonment. He has 10 felony convictions (three violent), 12 misdemeanor convictions (three violent), and three criminal traffic convictions, and he is facing an additional felony charge for five or more retail thefts within 30 days. He has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2023. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $440,000.
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