Orlando man accused of dressing as police officer, stealing more than $50K worth of goods in 7 counties

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An Orlando man that investigators referred to as “a prolific retail theft suspect” was arrested Tuesday, accused of dressing as a police officer and stealing more than $50,000 worth of merchandise from stores in seven counties.

Orange County deputies said they arrested Callvester Smith, 47, on charges out of Volusia County.

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During the thefts at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores, Smith was either dressed in a security guard’s uniform or as an off-duty law enforcement officer, wearing a badge on a lanyard around his neck and carrying a gun in a holster on his waist, Volusia County deputies said.

He is charged with felony retail theft and falsely impersonating a law enforcement officer during commission of a felony.

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Deputies said Smith has an extensive criminal history, which includes 41 felony charges and 20 convictions -- including armed burglary, armed robbery, aggravated battery on a person 65 or older and resisting an officer with violence -- with nine state prison sentences and two escapes.

Deputies said Smith is being held in lieu of a $75,000 bail on his Volusia County charges, plus a $2,000 bail on a warrant for grand theft out of Marion County.

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Officials said a judge’s order said Smith must be fitted with an ankle monitor if he is released from jail upon paying bail.

They said additional charges are pending against Smith in 11 other incidents outside of Volusia County.