12 arrested during retail theft operation in Sarasota, Venice

Twelve people were arrested in a four-day long undercover operation targeting retail theft in Sarasota, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies focused on retail corridors in Sarasota, as well as along South Tamiami Trail in Venice, making 13 arrests and filing 32 charges, according to a news release. Those arrested have a total 197 prior charges and 57 prior convictions.

“These retail operations are part of our intelligence-led policing model,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release. “Based on crime analysis, we can look at hotspots and deploy resources during these maintenance-type initiatives. Our goal was to not only assist local businesses but also to send a message to criminals that retail crime will not be tolerated in this community.”

Those arrested during the operation were:

▪ Luis Diaz-Druz, 39, of Sarasota, charged with petit theft, criminal use of personal identification.

▪ Christopher Castleman, 39, of Sarasota, charged with possession of methamphetamine.

▪ Lauren Schweppe, 26, of Venice, charged with petit theft less than $5,000, violation of probation.

▪ Patrick Phillips, 40, of Myakka City, charged with petit theft, possession of methamphetamine.

▪ Gabriel Harrison, 41, of Sarasota, charged with two counts of trafficking in oxycodone, possession of cocaine, possession of narcotics equipment.

▪ Essie Sweet, DOB 47, of Tampa, charged with three counts of fraudulent use of personal identification, unauthorized possession of and unlawful acts involving a driver’s license, burglary of an occupied structure.

▪ Judith Custer, 60, of Grand Blanc, Mich., charged with petit theft.

▪ Peter Sommeling, 38, of Venice, charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, possession of narcotics equipment, petit theft less than $100, resisting a retail merchant.

▪ Steven Questel, 27, of Venice, charged with violation of probation.

▪ Laura Blackwell, 51, of Sarasota, issued a summons for petit theft.

▪ Kimberly Ellithorpe, 51, of North Port, issued a summons for petit theft.

▪ Jessica Sheridan-Byers, 34, of Sarasota, issued a summons for petit theft.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 1:15 PM.