Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – This week, 46-year-old Algier Vanshawn Bess was taken into custody on charges stemming from domestic violence and a series of five shoplifting incidents. During one of these thefts, he is accused of threatening an employee at ABC Liquor with a knife.
Authorities claim that Bess repeatedly targeted ABC Liquor, located at 5820 NW 34th Boulevard, by disguising himself with various outfits to avoid detection. His disguises included dressing as a Walmart employee or a nurse, presumably to deflect suspicion.
According to a report from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), surveillance footage captured Bess’s thefts over several dates. On March 22, he allegedly stole liquor worth $90.98, followed by thefts of $215.94 and $7.49 on March 23. He continued his spree on April 4 with a theft valued at $43.98. Then, on April 6, he reportedly stole $55.98 worth of liquor and later returned to the store, allegedly brandishing a knife at a staff member. Although the employee didn’t see the weapon, the officer confirmed its presence through surveillance recordings.
The officer noted that Bess, known by the street alias “Cash App,” has been identified in surveillance footage from other stores, wearing the same disguises used at ABC Liquor.
On April 18, a GPD officer attempted to apprehend Bess in the 5900 block of NW 25th Terrace. However, Bess reportedly fled the scene, notably dressed in “nursing scrub” pants at the time.
On April 25, a woman reported that Bess punched her in the face multiple times, causing a laceration on her face, lumps on her head, and bruises on her arms from being grabbed. She said she tried to leave, but Bess kept threatening her and blocking her from leaving. She said she feared for her life and waited until he fell asleep to sneak out and call 911.
Bess has been charged with six counts of felony petit theft with two or more prior convictions, improperly displaying a dangerous weapon, resisting an officer without violence, felony domestic battery, and false imprisonment. He has 10 felony convictions (three violent), 12 misdemeanor convictions (three violent), and three criminal traffic convictions, and he is facing an additional felony charge for five or more retail thefts within 30 days. He has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2023. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $440,000.
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
