Florida Man Pees on $10K of Canned Food

On May 30 at around 9:49 a.m., a 70‑year‑old Florida man-later identified as Patrick Francis Mitchell - allegedly walked into a Lady Lake Sam’s Club and urinated down the front of two pallets of canned goods in aisle 18. A quick-thinking female customer snapped a photo and alerted store employees.

CCTV and Verification

Security camera footage confirmed the scene: Mitchell approached pallets stacked with Vienna sausage and Spam, noticeably acting and appearing to urinate. He then casually browsed the snack aisles and sat on patio furniture for about ten minutes before completing his purchase and leaving.

It didn’t take long for managers to discover the contamination. Food safety rules required discarding two pallets - 188 cans of Vienna sausage and 345 cans of Spam. The total estimated loss was $10,584.84.

Arrest and Charges

Employees accessed Mitchell’s Sam’s Club membership information, as the point-of-sale data linked him to the purchases. Armed with that, authorities identified and located him.

Mitchell turned himself in on June 4 and faces two charges: criminal mischief for property damage exceeding $1,000, and disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty in his June 10 court appearance. His next hearing is set for June 30.

As of June 17, Mitchell had not been booked into Lake County Jail and his public records show no attorney listed for the case.

A Flagrant Disregard

Notably, Mitchell displayed a calm demeanor - even after allegedly urinating on more than $10,000 worth of food. After the incident, he lounged on the patio furniture before paying and walking out like any regular customer - with urine-soaked pallets left behind.

While no illnesses were reported, the incident underscores food safety and public health concerns. Once exposed, canned goods must be disposed of even if sealed, given the health standards retailers must follow. The destruction of a large inventory demonstrates why food businesses maintain strict waste policies and surveillance.

You Could Be Next

If you’re in the store and spot fishy behavior, don’t hesitate to alert staff. In this case, a quick-thinking customer helped trigger the response that prevented contaminated products hitting more carts.

Whether the act was deliberate or a lapse in judgment, the ramifications were real - and expensive. Over $10,000 in food wastage, potential health hazards, legal consequences, and shaken customer confidence - this isn’t just a prank; it’s a serious offense. Let this be a reminder: even older individuals aren’t immune to crossing the line - and consequences follow.

References: Florida Man, 70, Allegedly Peed on Over $10,000 Worth of Food at a Sam’s Club – Then, He Relaxed on Store Patio Furniture
Florida man pees on food inside Sam’s Club, faces criminal charges