Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Robert Allen Futch, 58, is facing charges after Gainesville police said he entered a Raising Cane’s restaurant on SW Archer Road and took two customer orders despite having previously been warned to stay away.
According to the Gainesville Police Department report, the incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. Sept. 14 at the restaurant, located at 3343 SW Archer Road. Officers said Futch entered the business and left with two to-go meals.
The restaurant manager told police that Futch is frequently seen nearby and has repeatedly taken food orders from Raising Cane’s. The manager reportedly warned employees to be alert because of the alleged thefts.
The manager said he had instructed Futch to leave the restaurant several times, but Futch allegedly ignored those requests and continued returning. On Sept. 14, the manager again told him to leave, but police said Futch picked up two to-go orders and departed before officers arrived.
Officers located Futch several blocks from the restaurant. Police said he was wearing clothing matching the manager’s description, while the food was found nearby after apparently being eaten and rummaged through.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Futch reportedly acknowledged taking the food and told officers he had not eaten for a week.
Police said surveillance footage captured the manager telling Futch to leave before showing him taking the two orders.
Court documents describe Futch as homeless. He was charged with petit theft and trespassing after warning. Records show two prior misdemeanor convictions, including one involving violence. Judge Susan Miller-Jones released him on his own recognizance.
Arrest reports form the basis of articles about arrests. The charges cited come from law enforcement reports and/or court records and represent allegations only. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
