Homeless man with 34 convictions charged with burglary after allegedly shoplifting from Publix

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Joshuia Bernard Jenkins, 36, was charged with burglary, theft, and property damage after allegedly stealing items from Publix after he was previously trespassed from the property; he also allegedly kicked a patrol vehicle, causing $250 in damage.

At about 7:23 a.m. on July 1, a Publix employee at the store at 203 NW 13th Street saw Jenkins holding a Publix shopping bag containing various electronic items that were later found to be valued at $89.48; the employee reported that Jenkins walked past all points of sale without paying for the items, so he said, “You have to pay for that.”

Jenkins allegedly ignored him and walked out of the store. The employee told the responding Gainesville Police Department officer that he’d had previous interactions with Jenkins and knew him by name; the officer reported that Jenkins was previously warned that returning to the store would result in his arrest.

An officer found Jenkins walking on NW 6th Avenue near NW 13th Street, and while he was attempting to place Jenkins in handcuffs, Jenkins allegedly kicked the officer’s patrol vehicle, causing about $250 in damage. The officer reported that Jenkins was still carrying the Publix bag containing electronic items, and he was wearing the same clothing shown in the store’s surveillance video.

Jenkins reportedly asked, “Why do you have to take me to jail for something so petty?… It was only like 50-something dollars.”

Post Miranda, Jenkins reportedly did not want to answer any questions.

Jenkins has been charged with burglary of an occupied structure, felony petit theft with previous theft convictions, and felony property damage. He has 10 felony convictions (two violent) and 24 misdemeanor convictions (five violent) and has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2021; he was arrested in April for indecent exposure, but the charge was reduced to disturbing the peace, and Jenkins served 40 days in jail after entering a plea of nolo contendere to the charge.

Judge Joy Danne set bail at $17,500.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.