Florida Liquor Store Robbery Staged as Inside Job; Clerk, Accomplice Arrested

A reported armed robbery at Citrus Liquor Store in Inverness on September 20 turned out to be an inside job, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Investigators arrested 46-year-old store clerk Renee Bedford and 47-year-old Richard Lassiter after uncovering inconsistencies and receiving a tip.

The incident began when Bedford reported that a man wearing a Michael Myers Halloween mask entered the store, demanded cash, and fled with money from the register. However, detectives quickly noticed discrepancies while reviewing surveillance footage. The video showed Bedford laughing during the incident, and the suspect's appearance did not match the description she initially provided to deputies.

A tip submitted through Citrus County Crime Stoppers led detectives to Richard Lassiter as a possible suspect. During an interview, Lassiter allegedly confessed that Bedford helped plan the robbery. He also claimed Bedford provided him with details about the store's surveillance system and cash-handling procedures.

Investigators later interviewed Bedford, who denied involvement. However, detectives developed probable cause to arrest her. During her arrest, deputies allegedly found narcotics in her possession. Bedford faces charges including Principal to armed robbery, Principal to grand theft, Possession of fentanyl, Possession of methamphetamine, and Possession of drug paraphernalia. Lassiter was charged with Robbery with a firearm and Grand theft. Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division Capt. Mat Baird praised the thorough investigative work that led to these arrests.

Both suspects were arrested, and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation into the staged robbery. Residents with any further information should contact local authorities.