A Walmart employee in Ocala was arrested for allegedly stealing over $800 worth of merchandise from the store over a two-and-a-half-month period.
On Tuesday, July 29, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the Walmart located at 34 Bahia Avenue in Ocala in reference to multiple thefts that were allegedly committed by an employee, according to the arrest report.
A loss prevention specialist alleged that one of the store’s employees, identified as Arelis Garcia-Rodriguez, had stolen numerous items between the dates of May 7, 2025, and July 23, 2025. The deputy noted in the report that the stolen merchandise was valued at $867.33.
The report stated that the loss prevention specialist was reviewing video surveillance footage when Garcia-Rodriguez was observed in the self-checkout area. Garcia-Rodriguez allegedly failed to pay for multiple items before leaving the store.
Specifically, the report mentioned that Garcia-Rodriguez was allegedly captured on the surveillance footage placing multiple unpaid items into bags, which were then placed into her shopping cart.
The deputy reviewed the surveillance footage and noted that Garcia-Rodriguez was observed placing multiple items into grocery bags without paying for them. Additionally, the deputy stated in the report that Garcia-Rodriguez allegedly committed some of the thefts during her work shifts.
According to the report, a total of 13 theft incidents occurred on the following dates:
- May 7, 2025 ($39.03 in stolen merchandise).
- May 14, 2025 ($56.90 in stolen merchandise).
- May 21, 2025. ($92.75 in stolen merchandise).
- May 28, 2025 ($10.78 in stolen merchandise).
- May 30, 2025 ($15.69 in stolen merchandise).
- June 4, 2025 ($46.15 in stolen merchandise).
- June 11, 2025 ($61.99 in stolen merchandise).
- June 18, 2025 ($68.51 in stolen merchandise).
- July 2, 2025 ($102.76 in stolen merchandise).
- July 9, 2025 ($81.49 in stolen merchandise).
- July 13, 2025 ($30.10 in stolen merchandise).
- July 16, 2025 ($176.69 in stolen merchandise).
- July 23, 2025 ($84.49 in stolen merchandise).
Deputies located Garcia-Rodriguez at her home and placed her under arrest. She was booked into Marion County Jail and released the following day after posting bond.
Jail records show that Garcia-Rodriguez has been charged with fraudulently obtaining property valued at less than $20,000. She is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2.