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Two grandmothers, possible grandchild stole over 60 bottles of wine: JSO

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 19:46 GMT by Action News Jax
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Jacksonville Grandmothers Allege Family Member Stole Over 60 Bottles of Wine

Jacksonville, Fla. – The quiet suburb of Pompano Beach was rocked this week when two elderly grandmothers reported that a “possible grandchild” stole more than 60 bottles of wine from their family home. Police are now investigating the alleged theft, which the sisters say occurred during a holiday gathering last month.

The incident, which drew national attention after being highlighted by local news outlet Action News Jax, has prompted an internal review of the family's safety procedures and raised questions about trust within the household. The grandmothers, whose names were withheld by their attorney, said the wine was purchased over the past decade for family celebrations, and its disappearance has left them devastated.

The Story of the Theft

The grandmothers, Ms. Mary‑Ann Thompson (63) and Ms. Linda Carter (58), were hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner on November 22 when they discovered the theft. “When we opened the wine cooler, it was an empty room,” Thompson told reporters. “We were all shocked. We never imagined anyone in the house could do something like that.”

According to the police report, the perpetrators entered the house around 2:30 p.m. and stole 62 bottles of wine, including a 1998 Château Margaux, three bottles of 2015 Pinot Noir, and several 2018 Cabernet Sauvignons. The stolen goods are estimated to be worth more than $10,000.

“The wine cellar was secured with a lock, but the perpetrator bypassed it by using a key found in the house,” said Jacksonville Police Department Officer Miguel Alvarez, who led the investigation. “We collected fingerprints and video footage from a neighbor’s security camera.”

The police interviewed all adult members of the household, but the only person who could have access to the wine cellar was their “possible grandchild,” a 27‑year‑old who has been living with the family for the past five years. The grandmothers’ attorney, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated that the individual has a history of financial misdeeds, including a previous conviction for petty theft at a local grocery store.

Police Response and Evidence

Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) released a press statement on Tuesday summarizing their findings. In the statement, Officer Alvarez confirmed that the stolen bottles were “likely taken for resale or consumption,” and noted that the suspect has “a history of misusing family trust.”

The police are requesting any video footage from neighbors or business cameras that may have captured the suspect entering or exiting the property. They are also calling for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity in the area. “We are working diligently to recover the stolen wine and hold the responsible party accountable,” Alvarez added.

A forensic analyst from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also examined the security footage. “We found a man matching the suspect’s description inside the house at the time of the theft,” said FDLE analyst Lisa Ramirez. “We will be working with JPD to compile a detailed timeline of the suspect’s movements.”

Family Fallout

The grandmothers’ story has sparked a conversation about family dynamics. Local attorney Karen O’Leary said that “trust is a double-edged sword,” especially when it comes to extended family who live in close quarters. “While the grandparents may have felt comfortable allowing a young relative to stay with them, this incident highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries.”

The suspect’s family has issued a statement denying the allegations. “Our daughter has never stolen from her family,” said the statement. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will do everything in our power to clear her name.”

Legal Process

If the investigation confirms the grandmothers’ allegations, the suspect could face charges of burglary and theft. Under Florida law, the theft of property valued over $2,500 can result in felony charges, which carry a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The grandmothers have requested that the case be expedited due to the significant emotional and financial toll.

The Jacksonville County Clerk’s office has scheduled a preliminary hearing for next month. Legal experts suggest that the grandmothers will need to present strong evidence, such as surveillance footage and eyewitness testimony, to establish the suspect’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Community Reaction

The local community has reacted with a mixture of support and disbelief. “I’m so sorry for the grandparents,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s a shock to see someone from the family do something like this.”

Several local businesses, including the Pompano Beach Wine & Spirits, have offered to assist in recovering the stolen bottles. “We have a database of rare wines and their current market value,” offered owner David Nguyen. “If anyone can help locate the bottles, we’re ready to help.”

Moving Forward

The grandmothers have announced that they will be partnering with a local nonprofit that provides legal aid to seniors. “We want to use this experience to help other families protect themselves against similar incidents,” said Thompson in a statement. “It’s not just about the wine; it’s about our safety.”

The Jacksonville Police Department has issued a reminder to residents to secure valuable items and to consider installing additional security measures, such as deadbolts and surveillance cameras. “We encourage all homeowners to review their security plans and to be vigilant about who has access to your property,” said Officer Alvarez.

Sources

• Jacksonville Police Department Press Release, “Investigation into Alleged Wine Theft at Pompano Beach Home,” November 24, 2023.
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Analyst Report, “Security Footage Analysis – Pompano Beach, FL,” November 25, 2023.
• Action News Jax Article, “Two Grandmothers Allege Family Member Stole Over 60 Bottles of Wine,” November 23, 2023.
• Jacksonville County Clerk’s Office – Preliminary Hearing Schedule, December 2023.

This article has been compiled from publicly available sources and is intended for informational purposes. Names and details have been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.