POLK COUNTY, Fla. – 47-year-old Kenneth DeShawn Bailey of Bartow, who was initially arrested on May 28th for retail thefts at Publix and Winn-Dixie, is now facing a more serious felony charge.
Following Bailey’s initial arrest, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detective Wright expanded the investigation, collaborating with local retailers to determine if Bailey was responsible for additional thefts.
This persistence paid off, as evidence linked Bailey to thefts committed on three separate occasions at two different Lowe’s locations in Polk County – 37051 US 27 in Haines City and 23227 US 27 in Lake Wales.
RELATED: Bartow Steak Snatcher Nabbed In Auburndale By Polk Deputies; Wanted Throughout Florida
As a result of these findings, Kenneth Bailey has been charged with Multiple Retail Thefts over Twenty Items within 120 Days, a second-degree felony (F2). This new charge carries significant weight, especially considering Bailey’s past.
At the time of these new charges, Kenneth Bailey was already in custody at the Polk County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest on May 28th.
Authorities indicate that if convicted on the new felony charge, it could mark Bailey’s fifth time being sent to a Florida state prison.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
