Universal Guest Charged With Felony For Bizarre 'Harry Potter' Shoplifting Spree - Inside the Magic

A Guest at Universal Studios Florida is facing felony charges after a bizarre December 6, 2021 shoplifting spree at the Universal Studios Store.

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Per court records, New Jersey resident Ryan Walsh, 31, has been charged with Grand Theft, which is a third-degree felony in the State of Florida. Walsh was released on $2,000 cash bond on December 7, 2021, a day after the incident occurred.

The arrest report notes that the Orlando Police Department was called to the scene after a Universal Orlando Resort loss prevention officer noticed Walsh stealing a variety of seemingly random Harry Potter-themed items, including Christmas ornaments, Ravenclaw and Death Eater phone cases, and numerous pairs of Wizarding World socks.

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Walsh was subsequently arrested, and court documents again indicate that the New England resident waived his right to appear at a pre-trial conference as of yesterday, January 12, 2022.

Walsh is set to be arraigned on January 18, 2022.

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The official description of the Universal Studios Store at Universal Studios Florida reads:

Whether you’re calling “action” for the day or wrapping up the last few takes, this one-stop shop is your official source for all things Universal. With everything from character-inspired apparel, toys, and mugs, to hats, backpacks, and gifts, you’ll be able to take home a piece of the action and be the star of your own story.

More on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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The official description of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter reads:

Enter two lands of groundbreaking thrills and magical fun in Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and Universal Studios Florida™. Step inside the story on the streets of Diagon Alley™ where hidden dangers lurk far beneath Gringotts™ bank. Travel to the village of Hogsmeade™ and into Hogwarts™ castle for a spellbinding journey through the skies.

Come experience the wizarding world like never before–joining Hagrid™ to fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts™ castle, deep into the wild of the Forbidden Forest, to discover rare magical creatures on an all-new thrilling roller coaster adventure.

What do you think about this strange Harry Potter shoplifting spree?