Florida liquor store clerk reports robbery by man in Michael Myers mask. Then detectives spot her laughing on camera 

A Florida liquor store clerk reported being robbed by a man wearing a Michael Myers mask. However, when detectives reviewed the surveillance footage, they found several details that didn’t match her account, including the clerk smiling and laughing as she handed over the cash.

According to Yahoo News, Renee Bedford, 46, was working alone at Citrus Liquors in Inverness when she reported the September 20 robbery. Bedford told investigators that a Black man with a deep voice entered wearing a Michael Myers mask, demanded money, and displayed what she believed was a firearm. The store later determined that $3,018 was missing.

Bedford told detectives she initially laughed because she thought the robbery was a prank, then became afraid. However, surveillance footage reviewed by investigators had no audio and reportedly showed exposed portions of the masked man’s skin that indicated he was white. Detectives also said Bedford appeared to engage in casual conversation with him.

Investigators eventually identified Richard Lassiter, 47, as the masked man. What he allegedly told them shifted the investigation toward the person who had initially reported the robbery.

Detectives allege the clerk planned the robbery

An anonymous Crime Stoppers tip identified Lassiter as a possible suspect. According to the sheriff’s affidavit, detectives later interviewed Lassiter, who allegedly admitted his involvement and claimed Bedford had proposed the robbery.

Lassiter allegedly said Bedford told him the surveillance cameras did not record audio and explained that robbing the store after 4 p.m. on a Sunday would mean more cash was available before Monday’s deposits. He claimed they planned to split the proceeds equally.

Detectives recovered $2,968 inside a zippered bank bag at Lassiter’s residence. Lassiter allegedly said he had spent $40 of the stolen money. The affidavit did not explain the remaining $10 difference from the store’s reported $3,018 loss.

Other robberies have similarly taken unexpected turns. Recently, a gas station cashier grabbed a robber’s own gun after he reportedly placed it on the counter. In this case, detectives allege the twist came from behind the register.

Bedford faces additional drug charges

Bedford denied knowing about or participating in the alleged robbery plan. Authorities arrested her after interviewing Lassiter and speaking with one of the store’s owners, who investigators said had also become suspicious of her behavior.

During Bedford’s arrest, deputies allegedly discovered substances suspected to be methamphetamine and fentanyl in her pocket, along with a plastic straw containing powder residue. Field tests returned presumptive positive results for the two drugs, according to the affidavit. Bedford denied owning them and allegedly claimed she had found them in the store bathroom.

It’s not the first Florida arrest involving an unusually conspicuous alleged drug discovery. Police previously said another woman’s pouch allegedly contained meth despite its “Definitely Not A Bag Full Of Drugs” label.

Bedford’s current case lists six charges, including robbery with a firearm, grand theft, two controlled-substance possession counts, drug paraphernalia, and perjury. Lassiter faces robbery with a firearm and grand theft charges. He has pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. Both cases remain open, and the allegations have yet to be proven at trial. 

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