A Florida man is accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of trading cards from retail stores by using taco seasoning packets to avoid paying full price at self-checkout, authorities said.
Keith Wallis, 39, of Palm Beach, faces charges of felony organized retail theft, felony dealing in stolen property and felony money laundering, according to the office of James Uthmeier.
Investigators allege Wallis would take large boxes of trading cards to self-checkout lanes at Target and Walmart, along with an equal number of 99-cent taco seasoning packets. Authorities say he scanned and paid only for the seasoning packets while leaving with the more expensive trading cards.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office said investigators conducted controlled purchases of the stolen cards online and confirmed the proceeds were deposited into Wallis’ personal bank account. He is accused of reselling the merchandise on eBay.
Authorities allege Wallis carried out 75 thefts across Florida between July 2025 and February 2026, from Orlando to Miami. About 39 of the incidents reportedly occurred at Target stores.
Officials estimate the retail losses exceeded $10,000, while Wallis allegedly generated nearly $40,000 in resale revenue. He is also suspected of thefts at Publix locations.
If convicted on all charges, Wallis could face up to 90 years in prison, according to the attorney general’s office.
“Organized retail theft drives up prices for consumers,” Uthmeier said in a statement. “These schemes will be met with the maximum punishment allowed under the law.”
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