BAY COUNTY, Fla. — Two Florida corrections officers were booked into the Bay County Jail after investigators accused them of stealing more than $3,000 in merchandise from Walmart stores across the county.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office identified the defendants as Kaitlyn Elizabeth Thomas, 32, and Shaun Sundance Smith, 20. Authorities described both as Florida state corrections officers.
Flock camera used to locate the vehicle
According to information released by the sheriff’s office and reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, investigators were examining thefts reported at Walmart locations in Callaway, Panama City and Lynn Haven over approximately three weeks.
Investigators said the pair left the Callaway store in a white Hyundai Sonata. The sheriff’s office used its Flock license-plate-reader system to locate the vehicle near Highway 77 and Highway 388, where a deputy conducted a traffic stop.
Authorities said store surveillance footage connected Thomas and Smith to the reported thefts. Investigators later obtained a warrant to search the car and reported recovering merchandise valued at more than $3,000.
LEGO sets and trading cards among the recovered property
The property displayed by the sheriff’s office included numerous LEGO sets and packs and boxes of Magic: The Gathering cards. Other merchandise was also shown in the agency photograph.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was conducted with assistance from the Lynn Haven Police Department and Panama City Police Department.
Official Bay County booking information
The sheriff’s office inmate-search portal lists Thomas under booking number 2026-007309 and Smith under booking number 2026-007310. Both entries show an intake time of 12:18 a.m. on August 18, 2026.
Each booking record lists one count described as grand theft involving property valued between $750 and $5,000 and another count described as retail theft exceeding $750 involving multiple locations. The portal lists a $7,500 bond for each count.
Booking records and criminal accusations are not proof of guilt. Thomas and Smith are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. JM Audits will update this report if court records, employment decisions or responses from the defendants become available.