Cape Coral, FL — The Cape Coral Police Department has arrested David Crespo (DOB: 10/07/1958) following an investigation into 97 total reported thefts at the Publix located at 2420 Santa Barbara Boulevard South.
Beginning in December 2025, Crespo carried out a price-switching scheme at self-checkout by scanning a low-cost Maruchan ramen noodle barcode, typically priced between $0.59 and $0.69, while bagging higher-priced grocery items. Store management identified at least 97 fraudulent transactions involving approximately 360 items, totaling more than $2,500 in losses. Crespo was later observed committing an additional theft on May 14, 2026, using the same method.
Surveillance footage confirmed a consistent pattern, and Crespo was positively identified. Following a thorough investigation, Property Crimes Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Crespo. While searching Crespo post arrest, officers located multiple ramen noodle barcodes in his pockets, which were collected as evidence. He was transported to the Lee County Jail on the following charges:
- Grand Theft, F.S.S 812.014 (2c1)
- Petit Theft, F.S.S 812.014 (3a)
