Jasper Chen thought he was just grabbing a quick lunch at Target when he noticed something odd at the self-checkout. The customer ahead of him was scanning what looked like dozens of taco seasoning packets, but walking away with a cart full of expensive electronics and designer clothes.
“I watched him scan maybe 20 of those little seasoning packets that cost 88 cents each,” Chen later told security. “But his cart had to be worth hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars.”
What Chen witnessed was part of an elaborate scheme that would eventually cost Target stores across Florida more than $40,000 in stolen merchandise. And it all came down to those innocent-looking taco seasoning packets.
The Seasoning Packet Scam That Fooled Target’s System
Meet Darius Kellerman, a 34-year-old Jacksonville man who turned grocery shopping into grand theft. Over several months, Kellerman developed what investigators are calling one of the most creative retail fraud schemes they’ve seen in years.
Here’s how it worked: Kellerman would fill his cart with high-value items like AirPods, designer clothing, kitchen appliances, and electronics. Then he’d head to the self-checkout with a handful of taco seasoning packets.
Instead of scanning the expensive items, he’d scan the seasoning packets multiple times while placing the valuable merchandise in his bags. To store cameras and casual observers, it looked like he was legitimately purchasing everything in his cart.
“This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. This was calculated, systematic theft that required planning and multiple visits to perfect the technique.”
— Detective Maria Santos, Jacksonville Police Department
The scheme worked because self-checkout systems rely heavily on customer honesty. While the machines have weight sensors and cameras, they’re not foolproof when someone deliberately manipulates the process.
Breaking Down the $40,000 Theft Operation
Kellerman didn’t limit himself to one store or one shopping trip. Investigators discovered he hit multiple Target locations across Central and North Florida, always using the same method.
Here’s what makes this case particularly shocking:
- He visited at least 12 different Target stores over 4 months
- Each “shopping trip” netted him between $800 and $1,500 in stolen goods
- He specifically targeted items that were easy to resell online
- His total seasoning packet purchases: approximately $47 over 4 months
- Actual value of stolen merchandise: $40,127
| Item Category | Estimated Value Stolen | Most Common Items |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | $18,400 | AirPods, phone chargers, speakers |
| Clothing | $12,200 | Designer jeans, athletic wear |
| Home Goods | $6,800 | Kitchen appliances, bedding |
| Personal Care | $2,727 | Premium skincare, cosmetics |
“What’s remarkable is how long this went on undetected. He was essentially paying less than 50 bucks for over $40,000 worth of merchandise.”
— Captain Robert Hayes, Retail Crime Task Force
The investigation revealed that Kellerman was likely reselling the stolen items through online marketplaces and social media platforms. His social media accounts, now deleted, showed him frequently posting “great deals” on brand-name merchandise.
How Target Finally Caught the Taco Seasoning Thief
Kellerman’s downfall came from his own success. After months of getting away with the scheme, he got comfortable. Too comfortable.
Loss prevention officers at a Gainesville Target noticed a pattern in their inventory reports. Certain high-value items were disappearing, but their sales records showed only small transactions at self-checkout stations during those time periods.
When they reviewed security footage, they spotted Kellerman’s technique. More importantly, they noticed he was becoming a regular customer.
“Once we knew what to look for, it was pretty obvious. The disconnect between what he was scanning and what he was bagging was clear on camera.”
— Jennifer Walsh, Target Loss Prevention Specialist
Target’s security team coordinated with other stores in the region and discovered the same person hitting multiple locations. They worked with local police to set up surveillance at stores where Kellerman was likely to appear next.
He was arrested during his next “shopping trip” at a Target in Orlando, where he attempted to steal $1,200 worth of merchandise while paying for $8.80 in taco seasoning packets.
The Real Cost of Self-Checkout Theft
Kellerman’s case highlights a growing problem in retail. Self-checkout theft costs U.S. retailers billions of dollars annually, and the methods are getting more sophisticated.
While stores love self-checkout for reducing labor costs, they’re struggling with the security challenges. Some retailers are adding more cameras and sensors, while others are limiting self-checkout to customers with smaller purchases.
For Target specifically, this case prompted changes to their self-checkout monitoring systems. They’ve increased staff supervision at self-checkout areas and implemented new software that flags unusual scanning patterns.
“Cases like this show us that we need to balance customer convenience with security measures. It’s an ongoing challenge for all retailers.”
— Dr. Amanda Rodriguez, Retail Security Consultant
The impact goes beyond just the stolen merchandise. Retailers pass these losses on to consumers through higher prices, meaning everyone pays for theft like this.
Kellerman was charged with multiple counts of grand theft and organized retail crime. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges. His case is scheduled for trial next month.
As for those taco seasoning packets that made it all possible? Target stores across Florida report they’re now one of their most closely watched items at self-checkout stations.
FAQs
How did the taco seasoning packet scam work exactly?
The thief would scan cheap seasoning packets multiple times while bagging expensive items, making it look like he was paying for everything in his cart.
How much money did the Florida man steal using this method?
Investigators determined he stole approximately $40,000 worth of merchandise over four months while only paying about $47 for seasoning packets.
How many Target stores did he hit with this scheme?
Police say he targeted at least 12 different Target locations across Central and North Florida using the same method.
What kind of items did he typically steal?
He focused on high-value, easy-to-resell items like electronics (especially AirPods), designer clothing, kitchen appliances, and premium personal care products.
How did Target finally catch him?
Loss prevention officers noticed inventory discrepancies and reviewed security footage, which revealed his scanning technique. They coordinated with other stores and police to arrest him during his next theft attempt.
What charges is he facing?
He’s been charged with multiple counts of grand theft and organized retail crime, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
