Press Release Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Unit, Intelligence Unit, Criminal Investigations Section, and Patrol Bureau conducted a holiday retail theft operation at the University Town Center (UTC) mall in Sarasota, November 18-20, 2025.
Statistics show that retail thefts at UTC traditionally increase during the holiday shopping season. The mission of the operation was to identify, disrupt, and prevent retail theft, and arrest individuals engaging in retail theft occurring prior to the start of holiday shopping.
During this three-day operation, eleven subjects were arrested. In total they were charged with seven misdemeanors and eight felonies. Of those arrested, three had no prior criminal history, while the other eight collectively accounted for 111 prior felony charges and 117 prior misdemeanor charges.
● Aleksandra D. Bobala, W/F, DOB 8/7/78 – Grand Theft
● Antwan Blackmon, B/M, DOB 3/3/88 – Petit Theft 2+ Convictions
● Edyta B. Sullivan, W/F, DOB 3/8/70 – Grand Theft
● Fred A. Gentle, W/M, DOB 3/17/94 – Obstruction
● Issac B. John, W/M, DOB 03/01/99 – Warrant Arrest Petit Theft
● Lee S. Spengler, W/M, DOB 2/17/91 – Petit Theft, Obstruction
● Lisa M. Friday, W/F, DOB 3/17/83 – Petit Theft, Obstruction
● Orestes L. Calero Jr., H/M, DOB 11/10/78 – Petit Theft 2+ Prior Convictions
● Perla Carreras, W/F, DOB 8/29/61 – Petit Theft
● Saquona S. Jenkins, B/F, DOB 7/1/87 – Petit Theft 2+ Convictions, Possession of Anti-Shoplifting Device
● Vincent S. John, W/M, DOB 08/22/94 – Warrant Arrest Violation of Probation for Fleeing to Elude, and Failure to Appear
“This proactive enforcement was able to disrupt and hopefully deter criminal activity,” said Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman. “The results of this retail theft operation show our commitment to stopping organized theft, preventing repeat offenders, and ensuring the safety of our community.”