Palm Coast, Florida, February 9, 2026
A 30-year-old man from Jacksonville has been apprehended for reportedly stealing nearly $4,000 worth of premium meats and personal care items from two Publix stores in Palm Coast, Florida. Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna was identified through surveillance footage after taking $1,574 of meat from one store and an additional $2,084 from another. Following the theft, he discarded most of the stolen meat upon discovering his girlfriend cooking with another man. He is now facing felony retail theft charges.
Jacksonville Man Arrested for Stealing $4,000 in Premium Meats from Publix
Jacksonville, Florida – A 30-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 worth of premium meats and personal care products from two Publix stores in Palm Coast, Florida. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna, a Cuban national residing in Jacksonville.
Details of the Theft
On January 5, 2026, surveillance footage captured Reyna entering the Belle Terre Crossings Publix in Palm Coast, where he reportedly took $1,574 worth of premium beef and lamb. Approximately 20 minutes later, he visited the Island Walk at Palm Coast Publix, stealing an additional $2,084 worth of pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, and personal care items. Investigators identified Reyna based on his vehicle, which was seen leaving both store locations after the thefts.
Reyna’s Actions Post-Theft
After the thefts, Reyna drove directly to his girlfriend’s house. Upon arrival, he discovered her cooking with another man, which led him to discard most of the stolen meat. He was subsequently charged with felony retail theft.
Background Information
Retail theft remains a significant issue in Florida. In a similar incident, a Jacksonville firefighter was arrested in August 2025 for allegedly stealing over 100 items from Winn-Dixie stores. Additionally, in January 2026, two individuals were arrested for a nationwide retail theft scheme targeting Ulta Beauty stores, resulting in $47,000 in losses in Florida alone.
Law Enforcement’s Response
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized the department’s commitment to addressing retail theft, stating that stealing from stores will lead to significant consequences. He also noted that while Reyna’s relationship may have been strained, theft is not an appropriate solution to personal issues.
Legal Proceedings
Reyna has been taken into custody and is currently held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He faces charges of felony retail theft and is being held on a $5,000 bond, in addition to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
Related Incidents
Retail theft continues to be a concern in Florida. In September 2025, a Hialeah man was arrested for pulling a knife on an off-duty state wildlife officer after being confronted for shoplifting Tylenol and Advil from a Publix store. In April 2014, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston was cited for petty theft after “forgetting” to pay for $32 worth of seafood at a Tallahassee Publix.
Conclusion
The arrest of Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat retail theft in Florida. Authorities continue to monitor and address such incidents to protect businesses and consumers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna?
Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna is a 30-year-old Cuban national residing in Jacksonville, Florida, who was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $4,000 worth of premium meats and personal care products from two Publix stores in Palm Coast, Florida.
What did Reyna steal?
Reyna reportedly stole $1,574 worth of premium beef and lamb from the Belle Terre Crossings Publix and an additional $2,084 worth of pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, and personal care items from the Island Walk at Palm Coast Publix.
What happened after the thefts?
After the thefts, Reyna drove directly to his girlfriend’s house. Upon arrival, he discovered her cooking with another man, which led him to discard most of the stolen meat. He was subsequently charged with felony retail theft.
What are the legal consequences Reyna faces?
Reyna has been taken into custody and is currently held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He faces charges of felony retail theft and is being held on a $5,000 bond, in addition to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
Have there been similar incidents in Florida?
Yes, retail theft remains a significant issue in Florida. In August 2025, a Jacksonville firefighter was arrested for allegedly stealing over 100 items from Winn-Dixie stores. Additionally, in January 2026, two individuals were arrested for a nationwide retail theft scheme targeting Ulta Beauty stores, resulting in $47,000 in losses in Florida alone.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect’s Name | Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna |
| Age | 30 |
| Nationality | Cuban |
| Location of Theft | Palm Coast, Florida |
| Stores Involved | Belle Terre Crossings Publix and Island Walk at Palm Coast Publix |
| Total Value of Stolen Items | $3,658 |
| Items Stolen | Premium beef, lamb, pork, top sirloin, brisket, tenderloin, and personal care items |
| Legal Charges | Felony retail theft |
| Bond Amount | $5,000 |
| Additional Detainer | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer |
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