In a shocking turn of events, David Griffin, a resident of Mulberry, was apprehended on Saturday along with 28-year-old Shelbi Dubose for alleged shoplifting at a local Walmart on Church Avenue North.
David Griffin, a 48-year-old former police officer from Haines City, Florida, found himself on the wrong side of the law over the weekend
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office revealed that David Griffin, who had been a member of the Haines City Police Department since 2019, promptly resigned following his arrest. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed disappointment, stating, “It is always disappointing to me when someone in law enforcement commits a crime and betrays the trust of their community.”
Deputies responded to Walmart after a store employee observed David Griffin and Dubose engaging in shoplifting activities. David Griffin reportedly placed items in bags without scanning them, and despite an employee’s intervention, continued the unauthorized bagging when left unattended. Upon their exit, the security team intercepted them.
The investigation uncovered a pattern of theft, with David Griffin and Dubose allegedly committing similar offenses on multiple occasions
Walmart personnel scrutinized David Griffin’s debit card transactions, revealing four additional thefts on Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 10, and Nov. 26, with Dubose participating in three of these incidents. The charges against David Griffin include five counts of retail petit theft, while Dubose faces four counts of the same crime. Walmart records indicate that the duo paid for $207.72 worth of merchandise but failed to scan and pay for items totaling $343.22.
Haines City Police Department Chief Greg Goreck emphasized the commitment to upholding high standards within the force, stating, “The recent arrest of one of our officers is deeply troubling and contrary to the values of our department.” Chief Goreck reassured the public that David Griffin’s resignation was swift and decisive, highlighting a zero-tolerance policy for such actions. The department remains dedicated to maintaining public trust through accountability and transparency in the face of this unfortunate incident involving David Griffin.