A 51-year-old Jacksonville firefighter faces theft charges after allegedly failing to scan items at grocery store self-checkout lanes.

According to Action News Jax, Engineer Brian Albright was arrested and booked into the Duval County Jail on Monday on charges of petit theft before being released on bond. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office began investigating reports of theft on July 29, involving multiple incidents that allegedly began in March.

The investigation, handled by the department's Integrity Unit due to Albright's status as a city employee, uncovered evidence of 27 separate theft incidents across three different Winn-Dixie locations. Authorities claim Albright intentionally bypassed proper scanning procedures at self-checkout registers, sometimes while in uniform and on duty.

Pattern of Theft Uncovered Through Store Surveillance

Video evidence and receipt records played a crucial role in building the case against the firefighter. The documentation allegedly shows Albright deliberately failing to scan more than 100 items over multiple visits to different store locations.

The investigation determined the theft pattern stretched back to March of this year, with incidents occurring at three separate Winn-Dixie grocery stores throughout Jacksonville. According to the police report, the evidence collected shows a consistent pattern of behavior during self-checkout transactions.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Integrity Unit, which handles cases involving city employees, took over the investigation after the initial reports were filed on July 29. This specialized unit ensures that allegations against public servants receive proper scrutiny and attention.

Employment Status Changed Following Arrest

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has taken immediate administrative action against Albright following his arrest. The department confirmed they have removed him from active field duty.

In a statement provided to Action News Jax on Thursday morning, department officials said: "Engineer Albright has been removed from the field and will be suspended pending termination." This indicates the department is moving toward ending his employment following the criminal allegations.

Albright, who held the rank of engineer with JFRD, had been serving the community as a firefighter prior to these allegations. The department's swift response demonstrates their commitment to maintaining public trust amid the criminal allegations against one of their own.

Investigation Revealed On-Duty Violations

The police report contains particularly troubling details about some of the alleged thefts occurring while Albright was in uniform and on duty as a firefighter. This aspect of the case raises additional concerns about the misuse of public time.

Authorities have not specified exactly how they initially became aware of the alleged theft pattern, but the investigation compiled evidence from multiple store locations. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of retail surveillance systems that can track patterns of behavior across different locations within the same chain.

The petit theft charge typically applies to stolen property valued under a certain threshold, though the exact value of the allegedly stolen items has not been publicly disclosed. Despite the relatively minor charge classification, the number of incidents and Albright's position as a public servant have elevated the case's significance.

Public Trust Concerns Amid Ongoing Case

The case raises questions about oversight and accountability for public employees, especially those in positions of trust like first responders. The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's quick response indicates they're treating the matter seriously.

Albright's case will now proceed through the legal system, where he'll have the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him. The evidence cited in the police report, including video footage and transaction records, will likely play a central role in any prosecution.

The timeline for potential termination proceedings remains unclear, though the department's statement suggests they intend to move forward with dismissal. Public service positions typically include administrative processes that must be followed before termination can be finalized, even in cases involving criminal charges.