A Leesburg man with a criminal history was arrested for theft and drug possession after stealing over $200 worth of merchandise from Walmart with narcotics hidden in his backpack.
An officer responded to a retail theft at Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., at about 9:24 a.m. Thursday. A loss prevention employee reported he observed 25-year-old Kahlil Malik Caswell on video surveillance as he went through the electronics area and made his way to the shoe department and clothing area. He watched as Caswell concealed multiple items underneath his clothing and in his backpack, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department.
The officer then met with Caswell and asked if he had anything on him that was not his, and Caswell admitted to concealing items on his person. The officer asked Caswell to lift his shirt, which revealed multiple items that appeared to be camping tools around his waistline, the report said.
Caswell was detained and escorted up to the loss prevention office along with his cart of miscellaneous items. Once in the office, the officer searched Caswell’s backpack and found additional items belonging to Walmart. The calculated total value of all 25 items was $241.93 before tax, according to the report.
Caswell was arrested and taken to the Leesburg police station for booking. A search of Caswell’s criminal history revealed a prior conviction for petit theft on March 3. He was also arrested on drug charges in May 2021 and for breaking into cars in November 2022.
While still at the police station, the officer found a white powdery substance inside a tobacco wrapper in Caswell’s backpack. The powder tested positive for MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy or molly. Caswell confirmed what it was and said he forgot he had it, the report said.
Caswell was charged with petit theft (second offense) and possession of MDMA. He was transported to the Lake County Jail with bond set at $3,000.
