FLAGLER COUNTY, Florida — A routine shopping trip to Target turned into a police investigation after store staff flagged a woman and a young child for allegedly walking out with unpaid merchandise hidden in a pink backpack.
Lisa Debenedictis, 48, was arrested after Flagler County officers responded to the Target location and reviewed surveillance footage. What they saw, according to court records, was not just a woman shoplifting — it was a mother allegedly directing her own daughter to do it alongside her.
What Surveillance Cameras Caught
According to an arrest affidavit, the 9-year-old girl was seen placing items into a pink backpack while her mother was in the restroom. When Debenedictis returned, she allegedly grabbed a pack of Lysol wipes from the cart and placed it directly into her daughter’s backpack.
The two then continued walking through the store, picking up additional items before heading to self-checkout.
At the register, Debenedictis allegedly skipped scanning multiple items and walked out without paying for merchandise left in the cart.
What Was Taken
The child allegedly concealed 14K gold-plated earrings, a pack of Gumi Yum candy, and Lysol spray — totaling $25.97.
Debenedictis allegedly walked out with organic sugar, Coca-Cola, bagels, cream cheese, feminine wipes, self-tanning drops, a makeup brush, acrylic paint, stickers, and card packs — totaling $47.27.
The Charges She Now Faces
Debenedictis was charged with petit theft and contributing to the delinquency of a child. She is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on September 1.
Investigators concluded that she not only participated in the theft but actively encouraged and assisted her daughter in concealing merchandise.
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