Stolen EBT Grocery Spree: JSO Hunts Mystery Shopper Across Jacksonville

Jacksonville deputies are asking for the public’s help to identify a man caught on camera using a stolen EBT account for back‑to‑back grocery runs at two local stores in May.

Investigators say the suspect first used the stolen benefits on May 12 at a grocery store off Monument Road, then returned to the well the next day, making a purchase worth more than $100 at a different store on Beach Boulevard using the same account. The case is filed under CCR#2026‑330488 and remains active as detectives work to put a name to the face in the surveillance footage.

How to Get Tips to Investigators

According to the Jax Sheriff's Office, the latest "Wanted Wednesday" alert includes still images from store cameras along with the case number so residents can reference it when calling in tips.

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information about the stolen EBT transactions is asked to call the sheriff’s non‑emergency tip line at 904‑630‑0500. Those who want to stay anonymous can submit a web tip to First Coast Crime Stoppers or call 1‑866‑845‑TIPS (8477).

Why EBT Theft Matters

Cases like this might look small on paper, but officials say they are part of a much bigger problem. Across the country, investigators have been tracking fraud schemes where stolen identities and coordinated groups drain public assistance programs. Federal authorities recently detailed charges in a multi‑state SNAP and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance fraud probe involving stolen benefits and fraudulent redemptions; see IRS Criminal Investigation for the case summary.

Each local incident may involve only one cardholder or a single grocery bill, but for families relying on SNAP and for stores that accept the benefits, those losses add up quickly.

Public Tools and ‘Wanted Wednesday’

News4Jax reported that the sheriff’s office has recently rolled out new online wanted and missing‑person pages, expanding on its existing unsolved‑crimes portal. The goal is to give residents an easier way to share tips, photos, and information without having to leave home.

Local coverage notes that weekly "Wanted Wednesday" posts, like the one highlighting this EBT case, tend to circulate widely and can jog memories or nudge someone who recognizes a face to finally pick up the phone. Combined with the new web tools, the strategy is meant to speed up investigations and help close open cases sooner.

Deputies caution residents not to confront or approach the man seen in the images. If you think you recognize him, call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904‑630‑0500 and reference CCR#2026‑330488, or submit an anonymous tip to First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1‑866‑845‑TIPS (8477). The sheriff’s online portal also accepts uploads at JSO Unsolved Crimes.