News Summary
A fire engineer of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Brian Albright, has been charged with petty theft after stealing from multiple Winn-Dixie stores. The 51-year-old allegedly used self-checkout registers on 27 occasions between March and July 2023, resulting in the theft of over 100 items valued at approximately $750. Investigations revealed Albright failed to scan numerous items while shopping, leading to his suspension pending termination. This case raises concerns regarding employee misconduct and trust within public service departments.
Jacksonville – A fire engineer with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has been charged with petty theft after reportedly stealing from several Winn-Dixie stores. The individual, identified as 51-year-old Brian Albright, is accused of committing the thefts on at least 27 occasions between March 11 and July 18, 2023.
According to reports, Albright allegedly utilized self-checkout registers at three different Winn-Dixie locations to carry out the thefts. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) began investigating the incidents after receiving reports on July 29. A Region Asset Protection Manager for Winn-Dixie was the first to alert authorities about the suspected thefts.
Investigators from the JSO’s Integrity Unit, which investigates misconduct among city employees, took over the case. They reviewed video evidence and receipts that confirmed Albright’s actions, showing that he intentionally failed to scan numerous items during his visits. It has been reported that Albright correctly scanned certain goods but neglected to scan some consumable items. The total approximate value of the stolen items is around $750, and it is estimated that more than 100 items were taken.
Albright, who sometimes committed these thefts while on duty and in uniform, was arrested last Monday and released later on a bond set at $3,503. Notably, one incident involved him being accompanied by a minor during the self-checkout process.
In response to the allegations, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has placed Albright on suspension pending termination. This action underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability among its personnel.
The case highlights concerns about employee misconduct within public service departments and the implications thefts can have not only on businesses but also on community trust. The use of self-checkout technology has been increasing in grocery stores across the nation, yet incidents such as this demonstrate potential vulnerabilities in the system regarding oversight and employee behavior.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has a responsibility to uphold public trust, and this incident serves as a reminder of the need for thorough training and monitoring when it comes to employee conduct. As investigations continue, it is anticipated that further measures may be implemented to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Firefighter Accused of Stealing
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Action News Jax: Firefighter Theft
- Google Search: Jacksonville firefighter theft
- Hoodline: Petit Theft at Winn-Dixie
- Google Scholar: Jacksonville firefighter theft
- Action News Jax: Security Breach at Wolfson High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jacksonville
- JEMS: Cover-Up Allegations
- Google News: Jacksonville theft
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
