Organized Thieves Hit Meat Departments on Both Sides of the Bay
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
February 11, 2026
ROBERTSDALE, Ala. Police in Baldwin and Mobile Counties have been investigating a rash of meat thefts from grocery stores in several cities on both sides of the bay.
At least four people and possibly more have been working in an organized theft ring, stealing large quantities of meat products possible to sell on the streets.
Police in Robertsdale have arrested three people in the theft caper while other law enforcement agencies are moving forward with their own investigations that possibly could include those arrested in Robertsdale and several others.
On Saturday, just before 1 p.m., Robertsdale Police responded to a report of a meat theft at Greer’s, which led to the arrests of Lenzy Barney, Darrell Sampson, and Johnnie Scott.
“They saw them take meat from the store, place it inside jackets, in their pants, and also one of their associates was in a wheelchair,” said Robertsdale Police Chief Daniel Steelman.
After the store provided a vehicle description, officers stopped the driver and began questioning the suspects. That’s when the investigation uncovered additional thefts.
“From that stop, we were able to interview the people and determine that there were other items taken from a Walmart, and we got in touch with Walmart and were able to find them on video there as well,” Chief Steelman said.
Authorities say the suspects first stole items from Walmart before targeting Greer’s, taking T-bones, Ribeyes, chicken wings, and Conecuh sausage. The total loss: $457 at Walmart and $166 at Greer’s.
Police said the crew was organized and targeted certain meat products.
Sampson and Scott are also charged with tampering with physical evidence and possessing dangerous drugs. Scott faces an additional charge of promoting prison contraband.
Mobile police also investigated a theft of meat at Aldi’s on Government Street. Surveillance clearly shows the person entered the store and headed directly to the meat department. Police say the same person is suspected of stealing from the store on numerous days and that the total loss is estimated to be approximately $2,100.
Mobile Police do not know if anyone else is involved in these thefts, but are asking for public to call them with any information that they might have.
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