Two teenage boys are accused of stealing over $11,000 worth of garments from a Victoria’s Secret at Sawgrass Mills.
One of the two teens is 18, so he will be charged with grand theft in the 3rd degree in Circuit Court as an adult. The co-defendant is 17 and will face the same charge as a juvenile.
The two suspects were allegedly caught on the store’s surveillance video stuffing pairs of underwear into shopping bags.
Apparently, the subjects were turned into police after people saw the footage on the news.
Police allege that the thefts occurred over several days.
The juvenile suspect was released to the custody of his parents while the adult suspect was released on a $3,500 bond. Both were ordered to stay away from Victoria’s Secret.
Grand theft in the 3rd degree entails theft where the value of the merchandise ranges from $300 up to $20,000.
The maximum penalty for grand theft in the 3rd degree is 5 years in state prison.
Some first-time offenders may be eligible for Pretrial Intervention. However, in Broward County, if restitution is too high (in this case over $11,000), the adult defendant may not be able to participate. Also, the victim, Victoria’s Secret, must expressly approve the defendant’s involvement.
The juvenile defendant may be able to take advantage of a juvenile diversion program.
Eric Matheny is a Miami grand theft lawyer and Broward grand theft lawyer. Attorney Eric Matheny represents both adult and juvenile clients in criminal matters in Miami and Broward.