“I want to go to jail, call the cops”: man in pre-trial diversion program arrested for stealing 27 honey buns and 25 granola bars

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Michael Andrew Stallworth, 25, was arrested yesterday after allegedly stealing 27 honey buns and 25 granola bars from a store across the street from the police station and telling the clerk he wanted to go to jail.

At about 5:35 p.m. yesterday, Stallworth allegedly entered the Sunoco at 528 NW 8th Avenue and took the honey buns and granola bars, valued at $52 before tax, then walked out without paying and told a store employee, “I want to go to jail, call the cops.”

A Gainesville Police Department officer reportedly found Stallworth sitting in front of GPD Headquarters with the honey buns and granola bars. He allegedly refused to speak to the officer but finally provided his name after he got to the jail.

Stallworth has been charged with petit theft and resisting an officer without violence.

Stallworth was arrested in February after allegedly leaving Bridge House before completing a substance abuse treatment program and stealing a car from an individual who would not let him stay at their house. He entered into a pre-trial diversion agreement that requires him to follow certain conditions, including refraining from breaking the law, for 18 months; successful completion of the program could lead to the charge of grand theft being dropped.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set bail at $4,000.

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.