Man accused of stealing over $10,000 worth of meat, candy from Sam’s Club, authorities say

ST. LOUIS (KMOV/Gray News) - A man in St. Louis is accused of stealing over $10,000 worth of meat and candy from Sam’s Club.

St. Louis County prosecutors charged Damonte J. Walton with organized retail theft of over $10,000.

Police were called to Sam’s Club on three separate occasions to investigate thefts. Investigators say all three involved “high-dollar value meat thefts.”

Court records indicate at least one of these thefts happened on Jan. 19.

Police say Walton used Sam’s Club plastic totes to conceal meat before leaving the store, stealing combinations of lamb and beef tenderloin, along with bulk candy and totes.

Investigators say they used a facial recognition application to get leads on suspects, which led them to Walton.

Walton was then identified by a loss prevention associate at an Overland Home Depot who was aware of him because of other thefts.

Walton is also facing first-degree robbery and armed criminal action charges related to a theft from February at a City Gear store.

Investigators say Walton attempted to walk out of the store with several pieces of clothing when employees tried to stop him; he pulled out a gun, police said.

Walton is next expected in court for the City Gear robbery on July 8.