Elderly Cuban Accused of Multiple Pharmacy Thefts in Miami

An elderly Cuban man, aged 72, has been accused of stealing from several pharmacies in Miami, including a Walgreens where he allegedly took over $200 worth of products in May. Orlando Hernández Acosta was arrested on Wednesday after the manager of the Walgreens, located at 1201 Southwest 1st Street, spotted him near the store and called the police.

"The manager informed us that the suspect was in the vicinity. When the officer approached and detained him, it was discovered he had stolen more than $200 worth of merchandise just a month earlier, and he had also stolen from another Walgreens in March," said Mike Vega, spokesperson for the Miami Police Department, to América TeVe.

Upon searching the elderly man's pockets, the officer found several prescription pills that did not belong to him. Hernández Acosta is now in custody facing numerous charges, including possession of a controlled substance and possession of prescription medication without a prescription.

Hernández Acosta appeared in court where the judge set bail at $5,500 and granted him parole on the condition that he stays away from the Walgreens where he committed the theft last month and another Walgreens located at 2700 West Flagler Street. "You must stay away from those places, do you understand?" the magistrate emphasized.

The Cuban, who is currently homeless, has a criminal record dating back to 1992 when he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for killing someone while driving under the influence. During the hearing, his attorney argued that he is a 72-year-old man who needs a walker and should be enrolled in a program to help him stay off the streets. The prosecution, however, highlighted that he also has prior offenses in Hillsborough and Osceola counties.