A Florida teen faces multiple charges, including making a false report of a crime, after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars’ worth of merchandise from a local Walmart and then lying to authorities about her stolen purse, which she accidentally left behind at the scene of the alleged theft.
Aliyah Jenkins, 18, was arrested on Saturday by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). She has been charged with Making a False Report of a Crime, Retail Theft, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.
According to the MCSO, the incident began on October 17, 2025, at the Walmart in the Shores area. Jenkins is accused of collecting approximately $300 worth of merchandise and placing the items in a shopping cart.
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Authorities say she allegedly used a juvenile as a lookout for store loss prevention employees while she was in the store. She allegedly concealed the stolen items within bath towels before passing all points of sale.
After she passed the front of the store, Jenkins was confronted by Walmart loss prevention employees who had been observing her actions. She allegedly claimed she had paid for the items before fleeing the scene.
In her haste, however, Jenkins reportedly left her purse inside the shopping cart. The purse contained both her driver’s license and social security card, providing an immediate lead for investigators.
The following day, Jenkins allegedly contacted the MCSO to report that her purse had been stolen. She claimed that another woman had used her vehicle and, upon its return, the purse was missing. Jenkins further advised that this “other woman” admitted to being caught stealing from Walmart.
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Deputy Larson’s investigation, which included a review of the store’s surveillance footage, quickly determined that Jenkins’ claims were false.
Deputy Larson responded to Jenkins’ home and placed her under arrest. Authorities also noted that Jenkins was already out on bond for a Grand Theft of a Firearm charge from earlier this year. Due to the new arrests, the previous bond was revoked.
Jenkins was booked into the Marion County Jail and is being held without bond.
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