Beef bandit stuffed tenderloins in shirt, stole $1K worth of meat from Publix, Costco: affidavit

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was arrested after stealing more than $1,000 worth of meat from three grocery stores during an organized retail theft, according to an affidavit.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by a Costco Loss Prevention officer of a man leaving the store in a black SUV with tenderloins.

The deputy, who was “steaked” out at a nearby Sam’s Club, saw the exact vehicle pull into the parking lot. A short time later, deputies witnessed the SUV bolt from its spot, dart across the parking lot, blaring its horn.

As the driver of the SUV picked up the suspect inside the Sam’s Club, Able Martin-Cordova, 51, officials conducted a traffic stop.

Inside the “beef thief’s” vehicle were plastic shopping bags stuffed with cold meat packages from Publix and Costco, according to the affidavit. Martin-Cordova was also found with merchandise from Sam’s Club stuffed inside his shirt, along with two large packages of tenderloins.

A search of the SUV also revealed fentanyl that was concealed in a toothbrush container, along with marijuana.

Martin-Cordova is facing several charges including retail theft of more than $750, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia, grand theft, among other charges. Deputies said he was also wanted in Broward County for similar crimes.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.