Polk Cops Help Break Up Multi-State Theft Ring

By Suzie Schottelkotte
THE LEDGER

http://www.theledger.com/article/200903 ... heft-Ring-

Published: Friday, March 6, 2009 at 12:19 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, March 6, 2009 at 1:14 p.m.

BARTOW – Law enforcement has shut down a theft ring that authorities say was stealing an average $50,000 worth of baby formula a week from six Central Florida counties, including Polk.

One suspect told authorities she’s been involved with the ring for seven years, suggesting theft of formula totaling more than $17.5 million.

At a press conference this morning, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies have arrested 21 people since October, all illegal aliens from Mexico and Honduras, in a scheme that involves most every Polk County store that sells formula.

“These folks are professionals, and it’s very organized,â€