Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Joshuia Bernard Jenkins, 34, was arrested on December 15 for shoplifting and drug possession, just days after he was released from the Alachua County Jail; the arrest was his seventh of 2024.
An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that he was patrolling the Tower Road area at about 7:40 a.m. on December 15 and entered the Exxon gas station at 1633 SW 75th Street. He saw Jenkins carrying a duffel bag, and the store manager told him Jenkins had put merchandise into the bag and was in the process of leaving the store without paying.
The merchandise was reportedly worth $112.48.
Jenkins was transported to the jail, where officers reportedly found marijuana in a baggie in his pants pocket. Jenkins was reportedly searched before entering the jail and was also asked whether he had any contraband on him, and he said he did not.
Post Miranda, Jenkins reportedly said he did not understand his rights, so he was not questioned.
Jenkins has been charged with felony petit theft with two or more prior convictions, smuggling contraband into a detention center, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.