Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Shaunda Denise Allen, 58, was arrested after authorities accused her of taking roughly 50 cigarette lighters and two beers from Murphy Express. Investigators say Allen later acknowledged the theft and claimed she was “making a killing” by reselling the lighters for $2 each.
According to a Gainesville Police Department report, Allen entered the Murphy Express at 6323 NW 23rd Street at approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 21. She allegedly grabbed a full carton of cigarette lighters—about 50 in all—from the front counter and left the store. Authorities say she soon returned, removed two Bud Lights from a cooler and exited again without paying.
The responding officer identified Allen as the suspect, while the store manager reportedly selected her from a photo lineup as the person seen taking the merchandise. On October 22, the officer located Allen near Walmart and placed her under arrest. Police said she was wearing the same shoes visible in the store’s surveillance footage.
After being advised of her Miranda rights, Allen allegedly admitted taking items from Murphy Express. When shown a surveillance image from the store, she reportedly responded, “You got me.”
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During a search conducted after the arrest, officers reportedly found two lighters in Allen’s pocket. When confronted about them, she allegedly said she had been “making a killing” by selling the lighters for $2 apiece.
Allen faces charges of felony petit theft involving two or more prior convictions and dealing in stolen property. She was also booked for alleged probation violations connected to two other shoplifting cases. Court records indicate that she has 10 nonviolent felony convictions, 15 nonviolent misdemeanor convictions and eight prior state prison sentences; her latest release came in 2015. Judge Adam Lee ordered Allen held without bail while the probation matters are addressed and set bail at $125,000 on the new charges.
Arrest reports are compiled from information provided by law enforcement agencies. The charges described above come from arrest reports and/or court records and are allegations only. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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