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Eight teenagers from Philadelphia have been arrested in Florida after allegedly stealing from a Dick's Sporting Goods store while attending a youth football tournament. The teens, part of the United Thoroughbreds team, were in Davenport to compete in the Prolifix Sportz National Championship against the Coco Tigers. Their alleged theft on Saturday (December 6) resulted in felony charges, as they reportedly stole 47 items valued at over $2,200.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced the arrests at a press conference on Monday (December 8), where he named the teens involved, all aged between 14 and 15. According to Sheriff Judd, the group split into two teams to systematically steal items. One teen made a legitimate purchase while others filled a store bag with stolen goods, including hoodies and football gloves.
The theft was caught on surveillance cameras, and the teens were arrested on-site. Sheriff Judd emphasized that their actions not only led to their arrests but also cost their team the championship game, which they lost 26-6. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis commented on the incident, stating, "They picked the wrong state — and the wrong county."
The teens now face two felony charges each: retail theft over $750 and conspiracy to commit retail theft. They will need to return to Florida from Philadelphia to face these charges.