A Florida father’s desperate Christmas theft of 400 pounds of avocados highlights how economic hardship drives otherwise law-abiding Americans to crime while exposing the devastating impact of Biden-era inflation on working families.
Story Highlights
- Joshua Dorton stole $800 worth of avocados from Lake Wales farm to fund Christmas gifts
- Unemployment and 20% local poverty rate drove desperate father of five to felony theft
- Farm thefts cost Florida agriculture industry $1 million annually, threatening food security
- Community fundraiser raises $2,000 for family while suspect faces felony charges
Desperate Father Turns to Crime Amid Economic Strain
Joshua James Dorton, a 42-year-old unemployed father of five, was arrested December 18, 2024, after stealing over 1,000 avocados from Peace River Valley Citrus farm in Lake Wales, Florida. Dorton loaded approximately 400 pounds of avocados into his truck and set up a roadside stand on Highway 60, selling them at $2 per pound to generate Christmas money for his children. His confession to deputies revealed the harsh reality facing American families struggling under economic pressures that have made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
Biden-Era Inflation Devastates Rural Communities
Lake Wales represents the forgotten America hit hardest by failed economic policies. With a poverty rate of 20 percent—nearly double Florida’s average—and regional unemployment at 6.5 percent, working families face impossible choices between bills and Christmas presents. Post-hurricane shortages from Hurricane Ian in 2022 spiked food prices 20-40 percent, creating additional strain on households already stretched thin. The fact that a father resorted to stealing fruit to provide for his children exposes the real-world consequences of inflation that Washington elites refuse to acknowledge.
Agricultural Theft Epidemic Threatens Food Security
Dorton’s crime reflects a broader crisis plaguing Florida’s $20 million citrus and avocado industry. Farm thefts cost producers over $1 million annually, with Polk County alone reporting 15 major thefts in summer 2024. Organized theft rings target vulnerable groves nightly, stealing tons of produce destined for markets nationwide. These crimes don’t just hurt individual farmers—they threaten America’s food security and drive up costs for consumers already struggling with grocery bills. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson warns that thefts “threaten food security” and calls for harsher penalties to protect agricultural infrastructure.
Community Response Reveals American Spirit
While Sheriff Grady Judd quipped that “stealing fruit doesn’t make you Santa,” the community response demonstrated genuine American compassion. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $2,000 for Dorton’s children, showing how neighbors still care for struggling families even when disagreeing with criminal actions. This grassroots charity represents the best of American values—voluntary assistance rather than government dependency. However, Dorton now faces felony grand theft charges carrying potential prison time, making his family’s situation even more precarious despite community support and goodwill efforts.
Sources:
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
New York Post – Florida dad stole 400 pounds of avocados
WFLA News – Florida man steals 400 lbs avocados
Florida Department of Agriculture Theft on the Farm Program
