Winter Haven, FL – A Winter Haven woman, who has resided in the United States since 2012, now faces deportation due to her legal status after allegedly stealing nearly $308 worth of merchandise from a Walmart, according to police.
On August 31, 2025, a Winter Haven Police officer responded to a reported retail theft at the Walmart on Cypress Gardens Blvd. The suspect, Antia Jasmin Ozuna Melo (DOB: 02/04/2002), was detained by an Asset Protection Investigator (API) in the store’s loss prevention office.
The officer advised Ozuna Melo of her Miranda rights, which she acknowledged. She confessed to stealing items, stating she exceeded her monthly budget and decided to take the items after totaling her groceries. She denied entering the store with the intent to shoplift.
The API reported observing Ozuna Melo at the self-checkout, bagging unscanned items. The API recognized her from three prior shoplifting incidents captured on surveillance but not previously intercepted. On this occasion, the API stopped her as she attempted to exit with unpaid merchandise valued at $307.60. She had paid for $246.92 worth of items. Walmart, through the API, elected to pursue criminal charges.
Surveillance footage showed Ozuna Melo concealing unscanned items beneath paid items in her cart and passing all points of sale without payment. During the investigation, Ozuna Melo stated she is not a U.S. citizen. A query with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed she is in violation of immigration laws.
Based on the confession, witness testimony, and surveillance, the officer determined probable cause to charge Ozuna Melo with petit theft under Florida Statute 812.014(2). At Polk County Jail, HSI ICE Agent confirmed Ozuna Melo has been in violation of her stay since 2012 and placed a retainer on her. Pursuant to Florida Statute 775.0848, the charge was upgraded one degree due to her status as an illegal immigrant, as defined by Florida Statute 908.111. Theft is a deportable crime under immigration law (8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(ii)).
Ozuna Melo was transported to Polk County Jail. Nothing further at this time.
Source: Winter Haven Police Department & Arrest Affidavit
