Clerk Accused Of Orchestrating Liquor-Store Robbery After Surveillance, Tip And Co-Suspect's Statement

Sep 29•4 min read

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Surveillance video, an anonymous tip and a co-suspect’s statement shifted investigators’ focus from a lone masked robber to a clerk allegedly involved in planning the Sept. 20 hold-up at Citrus Liquors. Detectives say video showed the masked man appeared white and captured the clerk smiling while handing over a matching bank bag; investigators later found $2,968 at the co-suspect’s home. The clerk faces robbery, theft, drug and perjury charges; both cases remain pending.

A Florida liquor-store clerk who initially reported that a masked man robbed her workplace is now accused of helping plan the same robbery after surveillance video, an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip and statements from a co-suspect changed the focus of investigators.

What Happened

Authorities arrested 46-year-old Renee Lynn Bedford and 47-year-old Richard Benson Lassiter after the Sept. 20 robbery at Citrus Liquors in Inverness. Bedford, who was working alone, first told deputies that a man wearing a Michael Myers mask entered the store and demanded cash.

Citrus County Sheriff's Office records say surveillance showed Bedford smiling and laughing while handing over the money, followed by delays before the panic alarm and 911 call. The store later calculated that $3,018 was taken. - Document Source: Citrus County Sheriff's Office / Citrus County Clerk of Court and Comptroller

Surveillance Versus Initial Report

An arrest affidavit filed with Citrus County court records says the store later determined that $3,018 was taken. Deputies reviewing surveillance found a key discrepancy: the masked man appeared to be white, contradicting Bedford’s initial description of a Black suspect. Investigators said hands, forearms, cheeks and neck visible on video made the subject’s race apparent despite the mask.

Behavior On Camera

Although the surveillance footage had no audio, detectives focused on Bedford’s on-camera behavior. The affidavit states she was seen smiling and laughing while handing over cash and a zippered bank bag and appeared to converse casually with the masked man. Video reportedly shows the robber had been outside the store about 20 seconds before Bedford pressed the panic alarm, and roughly two minutes passed before she called 911.

The sheriff's affidavit says Lassiter told detectives Bedford proposed the robbery, provided details about the store's surveillance and deposit schedule and discussed splitting the proceeds. Detectives later recovered $2,968 from a bank bag at his residence. - Document source: Citrus County Sheriff's Office / Citrus County Clerk of Court and Comptroller.

Tip, Investigation And Suspect Interview

On Sept. 22, Citrus County Crime Stoppers received an anonymous tip identifying Lassiter as a possible suspect based on build, facial hair and footwear. Video reviewed by detectives showed the robber arriving by bicycle, changing behind the store into dark clothing and the Michael Myers mask, and leaving on the same bicycle.

Detectives say Lassiter acknowledged involvement during a call with his wife and later, after waiving his rights, told investigators Bedford proposed the robbery, told him the store’s system did not record audio and suggested a Sunday after 4 p.m. would yield more cash because deposits were made Monday. Lassiter allegedly said he and Bedford agreed to split proceeds 50/50 and that he rode his mountain bicycle to commit the theft. He denied carrying a firearm.

Citrus County court records list six pending charges against Renee Bedford, including robbery with a firearm, grand theft, two controlled-substance possession counts, drug paraphernalia and perjury not in an official proceeding. - Document source: Citrus County Clerk of Court and Comptroller — Secured Courts Online Record Search System.

Evidence Recovered

Investigators recovered a Regions Bank zippered bag containing $2,968 at Lassiter’s residence; the bag matched the one seen on surveillance. The store calculated a loss of $3,018. Lassiter reportedly said he spent $40 and hid the remainder at home; that plus the recovered $2,968 totals $3,008, a $10 discrepancy the affidavit does not resolve.

Arrest Of The Clerk And Drug Allegations

When detectives interviewed Bedford at the store, an owner who had reviewed video raised concerns about her behavior and said Bedford had combined multiple days’ receipts into a single bank bag — contrary to store practice. Bedford denied involvement but, during arrest, deputies alleged they found small plastic bags containing substances that field-tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl, plus a short straw with fentanyl residue. Bedford denied ownership of the drugs and said she found them in the store bathroom earlier.

Charges And Court Status

Court records show Bedford faces six charges in case 2026 CF 001166 A: first-degree felony robbery with a firearm, third-degree felony grand theft ($750–$5,000), two third-degree felony counts of controlled-substance possession, a first-degree misdemeanor count of possession/use of drug paraphernalia and a first-degree misdemeanor count of perjury not in an official proceeding. Lassiter’s case, 2026 CF 001150 A, lists robbery with a firearm (first-degree felony) and grand theft (third-degree felony). Lassiter pleaded not guilty and demanded a jury trial; both matters remain open, with hearings listed on county dockets.