YULEE, Florida — A two-day retail theft operation by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrests of two individuals on charges ranging from theft to drug possession. The operation took place on December 19-20, 2024.In the first incident, 44-year-old Mindy Rupert, of Yulee, Florida, was apprehended on December 19 after attempting to conceal approximately $60 worth of clothing and jewelry in her purse at the Yulee Walmart on State Road 200. Rupert had completed a legitimate purchase of $62 in merchandise, but loss prevention staff noticed the concealed items and reported her vehicle information to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. A detective quickly located Rupert nearby, and a subsequent search of her vehicle revealed fentanyl, leading to charges of petty theft with a prior conviction and felony drug possession.The following day, deputies responded to a theft in progress at the Home Depot on State Road 200 in Yulee. The suspect, 44-year-old Jorge Andres, of Yulee, Florida, entered the store with an empty cart and left without paying for several power tools and paint supplies. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 unit spotted Andres’ silver Toyota Camry and initiated a traffic stop, recovering the stolen merchandise. Andres was arrested and charged with grand theft over $750 and driving without a valid license.”These crimes don’t just impact the big retailers. Their losses are passed on to the public in the form of higher prices. So, when somebody grabs merchandise and runs out the door, the consumer will pay for that. By working together with our community partners, we can effectively deter and apprehend those involved in retail theft,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.