A Gainesville man, Eric Wayne Davidson, aged 57, has found himself in legal trouble once again. Davidson was apprehended on allegations of shoplifting over $700 worth of goods from a JC Penney store in two separate incidents.
According to the Gainesville Police Department’s investigation, Davidson’s first alleged shoplifting occurred on April 19. On that day, he reportedly visited JC Penney and discreetly placed two pairs of Nike sneakers, valued at $195, into a backpack before exiting the store without making a payment.
The investigation further revealed that on May 9, Davidson returned to the same store. This time, he allegedly filled a tote bag with three pairs of shoes and several clothing items, totaling $530 in value. Surveillance footage is said to have captured Davidson leaving the store without settling the bill. However, his attempts were thwarted by vigilant loss prevention associates, who managed to recover the stolen items and detain him.
Despite being read his rights, Davidson opted to remain silent, choosing not to comment on either instance of alleged theft.
Davidson now faces two counts of petit theft with two or more prior convictions—a charge considered a felony. His criminal history is extensive, including nine felony convictions (with one violent offense), seven misdemeanors (one violent), and four criminal traffic violations. His past includes two stints in state prison in Broward County, with his last release dating back to 2003. Additionally, in 2025, he was arrested for stealing over $900 worth of merchandise from a Lowe’s store in Alachua County, which led to a three-month jail sentence following a nolo contendere plea. The current charges have prompted Judge Susan Miller-Jones to set Davidson’s bail at $20,000.
Davidson has been charged with two counts of petit theft with two or more prior convictions (a felony). He has nine felony convictions (one violent), seven misdemeanor convictions (one violent), and four criminal traffic convictions. He has served two state prison sentences out of Broward County, with his most recent release in 2003. He was arrested in Alachua County in 2025 for stealing over $900 in merchandise from Lowe’s and was sentenced to three months in jail after entering a plea of nolo contendere to the charge. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000 on the new charges.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
