Parents speak out after three suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing baby formula from several Columbia Co. stores.

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) – Parents are speaking out after three people were arrested and charged with stealing dozens of cans of baby formula from several stores in Columbia County.

Jose Salvador Solis-Hernandez, Dulce Maria Tovar-Sanchez and Angel Jesus Preza-Gonzales are now charged with shoplifting, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department.

The three suspects were arrested Thursday by Columbia County officials at the Kroger store on Jimmie Dyess Parkway after receiving calls from other stores reporting stolen merchandise.

Officers said they used license plate readers and traffic cameras to trace the car to that Kroger.

Authorities said the suspects may have stolen more than $5,000 worth of baby formula from area stores such as Walmart, Kroger and Publix.

Parents say they are shocked that people would do such things, especially when some babies require a specific formula.

“It’s pretty upsetting to hear that someone would take away formula from an innocent little baby,” says Matt, a local father. “She had a lot of milk allergies, so it was really hard to find formula that was safe for her.”

Other people say they still remember the baby formula shortages in 2022 and don’t want to experience it again.

“I don’t think anyone should steal anything, especially baby formula, because people need it and need to have access to it,” says Vicki Evans, another local mother. “And if it gets stolen and no one gets to it, we’re left without it.”

Authorities have not disclosed the reason why the suspects stole this amount of infant formula, but other possibilities were raised.

“There are ways for people to get help if they need baby formula,” Evans says. “There are many programs, like WIC, and if you contact the county, they can get you help. There’s no reason to steal it.”

According to authorities, the suspects are currently in the Columbia County Detention Center.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is ongoing and authorities are working to return the stolen formula.

The Augusta Partnership for Children provides resources for parents who are experiencing difficulties.

For more information, visit https://augustapartnership.org/contact/.