A Florida man arrested for stealing ,000 worth of trading cards from Target using cheap taco seasoning packets

A Florida man arrested for stealing $40,000 worth of trading cards from Target using cheap taco seasoning packets

A Florida man has been arrested after police say he used taco seasoning packets to steal nearly $40,000 worth of trading cards from Target stores across the state.Police allege that Keith Wallis, 39, of Palm Beach, carried out a series of burglaries at targeted locations from Miami to Orlando between July 2025 and February 2026. Investigators say when entering the stores he picked up cheap taco seasoning packets as well as large boxes of trading cards.At the self-checkout, Wallis is accused of simply scanning the cheap seasoning packets and paying, then leaving the store with the valuable card box. Authorities say that after taking the items, he sold the stolen trading cards online, primarily on eBay, generating approximately $40,000 in revenue.According to a press release from the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Target lost more than $10,000 from the alleged theft, which involved approximately 75 separate incidents. Cards reportedly targeted by Wallis are often highly collectible and can fetch strong prices among buyers.Wallis is charged with aggravated organized retail theft, felony dealing in stolen property and felony money laundering. Authorities say if convicted on all counts, he could face up to 90 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeyer said such schemes would “carry the maximum punishment under the law.”Palm Beach County Sheriff Rick Bradshaw said the investigation included cooperation between the county and state law enforcement, and said those profiting from the theft would be held accountable.Authorities also say Wallis is being investigated for similar thefts at other stores, including Walmart and Publix.

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