West Palm Beach, Florida — A routine mid-afternoon police response in West Palm Beach resulted in the arrest of a local man now facing multiple allegations ranging from theft and fraud to municipal ordinance violations, according to official booking information released by authorities.
Arrest Details and Timing
According to jail and booking records, Martavius Lee Dawkins was taken into custody at approximately 2:38 p.m. on January 4, 2026. The arrest was processed under Report No. 457919, with the West Palm Beach Police Department listed as the arresting and filing agency.
Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether the incident stemmed from a traffic stop, a reported theft, or a separate investigation. No injuries were reported in connection with the arrest.
Theft-Related Allegations
Booking records show that Mr. Dawkins is facing multiple theft-related charges, including:
- Petit theft involving merchandise or goods, with an allegation tied to a prior conviction, which under Florida law can lead to enhanced penalties if proven in court
- Petit theft involving property valued between $100 and $750
Under Florida statutes, petit theft typically involves property valued under $750, but repeat offenses can elevate potential consequences, including increased fines or jail time. Authorities have not disclosed the type of merchandise allegedly involved or where the alleged thefts took place.
Fraud by Impersonation Charge
In addition to the theft accusations, Mr. Dawkins was also charged with fraud by impersonation. According to arrest records, this charge alleges that he provided a false identity to a law enforcement officer during the encounter.
Providing false identification to police can complicate an investigation and may result in separate criminal penalties under state law. Officials have not clarified what name or information was allegedly provided, nor whether the impersonation charge was discovered immediately or later during the booking process.
Municipal Ordinance Violation
The arrest also includes a municipal ordinance violation, though specific details regarding the ordinance in question were not released. Municipal violations can range from trespassing and loitering to local code infractions, depending on city regulations.
Authorities often file ordinance violations alongside criminal charges when local laws are allegedly violated during the same incident.
Limited Information Released by Police
As of this report, police have not released additional details regarding:
- The exact location of the alleged offenses
- The value or nature of the merchandise involved
- What prompted officers to initially make contact with Mr. Dawkins
- Whether surveillance footage, witnesses, or prior reports played a role
Law enforcement agencies commonly withhold details during early stages of a case, particularly when an investigation may still be active or pending review by prosecutors.
What Happens Next
The case is expected to be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office, where prosecutors will review the arrest report and determine whether formal charges will be filed. This process may include evaluating evidence, prior criminal history, and applicable statutes before deciding how to proceed.
Court records will ultimately determine whether the charges move forward, are amended, or dismissed.
Legal Presumption of Innocence
As with all criminal cases, it is important to note that the allegations outlined in booking records are accusations only. Mr. Dawkins is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Criminal charges can evolve as additional facts emerge, and outcomes often depend on evidence presented during court proceedings.
Community Context
The West Palm Beach Police Department continues to encourage residents and visitors to report suspicious activity and cooperate with law enforcement during investigations. Officials also remind the public that providing accurate identification during police encounters is required under certain circumstances and that failure to do so may result in additional charges.
Conclusion
A January 4 arrest in West Palm Beach has left a local man facing several allegations, including theft, fraud by impersonation, and a municipal ordinance violation. While details surrounding the incident remain limited, the case now moves into the prosecutorial review phase, where its next steps will be determined.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as additional information becomes available through court filings or official law enforcement updates.
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