WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier was in West Palm Beach Tuesday, to announce an arrest in one of the "largest retail theft cases when it comes to baby formula."
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The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) identified the man accused of stealing baby formula on numerous occasions as Kenneth Jones Jr.
Uthmeier, joined by Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, said Jones is a "repeat offender" who has stolen "tens of thousands of dollars" in baby formula from retailers like Walmart, Target and Publix, with Jones sometimes targeting two stores in the same day, according to court documents.
"Let's be clear, in Florida, if you steal, you're going to jail. If you steal again, you're going to jail longer," Uthmeier said during a news conference this afternoon. "If you steal baby formula and you tick off all of our moms and babies out there, we're going to put you behind bars for as long as we can."
Uthmeier stated that this is the first time someone is being charged with a first-degree felony for theft under a new law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year, which increases penalties for organized retail theft and porch piracy.
Jones, 37, carried out over 50 thefts of baby formula worth a total of $70,000 from Publix, Target, and Walmart locations across Broward and Palm Beach counties from October 2024 to May 2025, according to court documents. On each occasion, Jones would steal a reusable shopping tote, or plastic bin, fill it with dozens of baby formula canisters, and leave the store without paying for the items.
"When it comes to baby formula, we've had significant shortages in the past that makes it challenging for moms out there," Uthmeier said.
The attorney general referenced the 2022 baby formula shortage that left families searching empty shelves and turning to Craigslist ads for the essential product. Formula remains a prime target for organized theft rings due to its high resale value and consistent demand.
I reviewed Jones' criminal record, which shows four arrests and two convictions for stealing clothes, electronics, tools and sporting goods in 2022 and 2024. The recent baby formula case represents his most serious charges under the new law.
“This is not a victimless crime and Florida is not going to stand for it,” Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. “You know who the victim of this crime is? You—because the retailers are going to jack up the price and put it on the consumer."
Bradshaw explained that stores lose money from theft and often hire additional security to deter criminals. Those costs ultimately get passed down to customers through higher prices.
The case demonstrates Florida's commitment to using enhanced penalties to combat organized retail crime, with prosecutors now able to pursue decades-long sentences for repeat offenders who previously faced lighter punishments.
Thanks to the new law and his criminal history, Jones faces up to 30 years in prison.
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