PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Detectives say a long-running string of retail thefts across several Florida counties ended last week when two West Palm Beach residents were arrested under a statewide investigation called Operation Bonnie & Tide. The case centered on large-scale thefts of laundry detergent and other high-demand items that stores say were repeatedly disappearing from shelves.
Reports of major thefts at Dollar General stores surfaced in September 2025, when staff noticed someone walking off with unusually large quantities of detergent. That pattern turned into a wider trend, according to investigators, and eventually pointed to a single vehicle seen near several of the affected stores.
Detectives later identified the occupants as Caleb R. Frederick and Ne’osha Taylor, both of West Palm Beach. The investigation continued to grow. Because of the volume of cases and the number of jurisdictions involved, the Statewide Prosecutor brought the incidents under one coordinated effort and named it Operation Bonnie & Tide.
When detectives started comparing case files, they found the scope was much larger than first believed. According to investigators, the pair is now linked to 41 separate retail-theft incidents with a combined loss of $31,840. The stolen goods weren’t limited to detergent. Detectives say items included Ninja slushy machines, Dyson vacuums, Shark robot vacuums, baby diapers, infant formula, and other products that fetch reliable resale value.
Investigators also uncovered evidence of the stolen items being moved quickly. According to the case file, there were three pawn transactions tied to the suspects, and six direct-to-consumer sales where items were allegedly sold off the books. A review of bank activity reportedly showed continued illicit sales of stolen merchandise.
The investigation reached a break on November 21, 2025, when detectives secured arrest warrants for Frederick and Taylor. A residential search warrant was also obtained, though officials did not release details of what was seized.
With both suspects in custody, detectives say the related cases are now “cleared by arrest.”
