Riverview Man Arrested for Extensive Grocery Store Theft Spree

Julian Mitchell accused of stealing nearly $10,000 worth of goods from Winn-Dixie over 100 trips

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 44-year-old Riverview man named Julian Mitchell has been arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for an extensive eight-month theft spree targeting local Winn-Dixie grocery stores. Authorities say Mitchell manipulated self-checkout kiosks to avoid paying full price for over $10,000 worth of merchandise, including everyday essentials like meat, diapers, and toilet paper. Mitchell was identified through surveillance footage and his use of the same store loyalty number for the fraudulent transactions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of organized retail theft, which not only hurts businesses but also drives up prices for consumers. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has made combating these types of crimes a priority, working closely with retailers to identify repeat offenders and hold them accountable.

The details

According to investigators, Mitchell carried out over 100 thefts at four different Winn-Dixie locations in Hillsborough County between March and November 2025. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him manipulating the self-checkout kiosks to avoid paying full price for a wide range of items, from high-end goods to everyday essentials. The Retail Theft Unit was able to identify a distinct pattern in Mitchell's behavior and the use of the same store loyalty number, which ultimately led to his arrest.

  • The thefts occurred between March 10 and November 25, 2025.
  • Mitchell was already on active probation starting December 2, 2025, for a previous case with the Tampa Police Department.

The players

Julian Mitchell

A 44-year-old Riverview man who is accused of carrying out an extensive theft spree at local Winn-Dixie grocery stores over an eight-month period.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case and arrested Julian Mitchell.

Chad Chronister

The Hillsborough County Sheriff who stated that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in the county.

Winn-Dixie

The grocery store chain that was targeted by Julian Mitchell's theft spree.

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What they’re saying

“This arrest sends a clear message that organized retail theft will not be tolerated in Hillsborough County. Crimes like this don't just hurt businesses, they drive up prices for hardworking families at the checkout line. Our Retail Theft Unit works closely with our retail partners to identify repeat offenders, hold them accountable, and protect our community.”

— Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff (tampafp.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Mitchell's bail and probation status at a hearing scheduled for next Tuesday.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of organized retail theft and the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement and retailers to combat these crimes, which ultimately impact consumers through higher prices.