A woman from Fort Lauderdale, identified as Marnisha Janeese Sims, age 27, has been arrested in connection with a string of baby formula thefts across St. Lucie County, Florida. As reported by CBS12, the series of thefts amounting to over $2,700 occurred at multiple Publix stores between April 23 and April 25.
Acting on a tip about Sims' location today, St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office (SLCSO) detectives and Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) officers were able to locate and apprehend her in the parking lot of a Winn-Dixie. Found in the passenger seat during a traffic stop, Sims’ vehicle had garbage bags packed with cans of Enfamil, Similac, and Nutramigen clearly visible in the back seat, and a counterfeit license plate was also discovered, according to a social media post by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office.
Known as the "Baby Food Bandit," Sims is on felony probation for a prior theft exceeding $750 from Broward County, which was reported by CBS12. Currently held at the St. Lucie County Jail, she is now facing three counts of retail theft over $750 and counterfeiting a license plate, with no bond set until her first court appearance.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro highlighted the cooperation between different departments, stating, "This arrest is a testament to the outstanding teamwork between the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and the Port St. Lucie Police Department," as relayed by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office. Del Toro also issued a warning: "When criminals cross into St. Lucie County, they should know we work together, we move fast, and we will catch you."
The investigation remains active as law enforcement coordinates efforts across multiple jurisdictions to determine the full extent of Sims' alleged criminal activities. The ongoing multi-agency investigation suggests that she may be connected to similar incidents in neighboring areas.
