Sheriff Grady Judd

***UPDATE: JULY 10***
Shortly after posting this crime to Facebook, the victim received a tip regarding the identity of the suspect. The detective followed-up on the tip and made contact with 40-year-old Anthony Denis. The detective showed Denis the video, and confirmed that it was him. Denis told the detective he realized that he made a mistake by taking the phone, so he threw it in the woods. The detective looked for the phone, but only found the case. The detective charged Anthony Denis with petit theft. 

ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS:

An employee of 7-11 was stocking the dairy cooler at the 7-Eleven store (6175 Hwy 98 South) in Lakeland, at about 1:00 am on Sunday, July 5th.

After her cellphone kept falling from her pocket, she placed the phone on the counter.

A customer said he was ready to pay for his items, so the employee hurried to the cash register.

At about that time, another man entered the store and went over to the Slurpee machine.

While in the process of getting his Slurpee, he saw the employee’s cellphone on the counter to his right. He picked up the phone and quickly placed it in his pocket.

Once the employee realized she didn’t have her phone, she asked the man if he happened to see it. And he said no and left after paying for his Slurpee.

Security video from outside of the store showed that the man arrived and left on foot, so he may live near this store.

If you recognize this man, or you have information that might be helpful to this investigation, please call Detective Ervin at 863-499-2400, ext 132 (reference case #20-26162), or to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers - call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477), visit ww.heartlandcrimestoppers.com
and click on "Submit A Tip," or download the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet.