More than 4 million pounds of citrus was taken
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Citrus producers in Florida who had crops stolen or were worried about some crops being taken without payment can rest a little easier.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced that Bradley D. Reiter from Winter Haven, Florida, has been arrested for taking more than 4 million pounds of citrus.
Reiter, as the owner and operator of Reiter Citrus Inc.:
- Entered a contract with Gabriel Family Partners to purchase citrus. Between March 20 and April 16, 2014, he removed 13,108 boxes of oranges without payment.
- Entered into a contract with Gabriel Groves Inc. where between March 26 and April 28, 2014, he removed 1,599 boxes of grapefruit and 20,468 boxes of oranges without payment.
- Entered into a contract with Sandlake Groves LLC to purchase citrus. Between April 29 and May 14, 2014 he removed 10,907 boxes of oranges without payment.
- Entered a grove owned by a resident of Bartow, Florida without permission. After removing 180 boxes of citrus, Reiter gave the resident a check that only covered half of the value of what he took.
- Had a written agreement with a Bartow, Florida resident to purchase and remove 570 boxes of citrus fruit. Reiter did not pay the resident for the crop.
The stolen goods totaled more than $540,000.
Reiter was booked on multiple charges including scheme to defraud, grand theft and dealing citrus without a license.
Join the conversation and tell us if you’ve ever experienced something like this. What tips can farmers take to ensure they’re getting treated fairly from the people who buy their crops?