LEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - WALB has learned that a man, previously arrested in a Georgia Bureau of Investigation sex trafficking sting, has now been issued a trespass warning from the Lee County Publix after reportedly following a shopper.

Chief Deputy Eddie Burgess said deputies responded Wednesday after a 911 call reporting a man was following a female shopper around the store, making her uncomfortable. The shopper reportedly left before deputies arrived and told dispatch she did not want contact with the sheriff’s office, so deputies were unable to get an official statement.

However, deputies spoke with store management, who requested a trespass warning be issued against the man who was “following her,” later identified as Malik Yoba Lawrence, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies then escorted Lawrence out of the store.

In an official statement, LCSO said: “As a result of yesterday’s incident, Malik Lawrence was issued a trespass warning per Publix management, and if he returns to the property, he will be arrested.”

Viral Facebook post referenced incident

The situation gained attention online after a public Facebook post about the reported incident circulated widely, with commenters discussing safety concerns.

Attention Ladies: Publix Lee co, beware! Man approached me while shopping, waited until it was just us, asked what I was doing after shopping. I proceeded to tell him I’d be taking care of my husband and kids. That didn’t work. He continued and tried to show me his license and say he was 27. I said “well, I’m married” and tried to walk on. He then followed me to the end of the aisle and kept putting stuff on the shelves. I began to feel super uneasy. He tried to check out at the self checkout next to me. I avoided eye contact but tried to make sure he didn’t mess with my purse or rub anything on my cart handle (I’ve heard scary things about drugs). He went out where the buggies were and I asked the lady next to me to help me get a manager. Several employees came over and tried to calm me down. The lady who had been shopping next to me, followed him out to the foyer accompanied by a manager. The man then proceeded to come back into the store and slowly circle the checkout area waiting for me to get finished. Management then called the cops. I finally finished ringing up all my groceries and paid. The manager walked me out to my car and by that time the cops arrived. I talked with the manager and he explained this man has caused trouble before. Wore a hoodie over his head and a mask every time. I asked why he had not been banned from the store?! We talked a little longer and the man was finally escorted out of the store by the police but then was let go. He went next door to harass the Japanese restaurant employees, I guess. Folks, be careful out there!! Going to the “better part of town” isn’t helpful anymore. Apparently there’s only so much store managers and police can do! I look back now and I’m so glad he didn’t pull a knife or gun on me because the manager told me someone had complained of this same individual “showing them his gun” before!!! After this event, I can’t say I’m excited about my next lone shopping event here in the “good life city” STAY SAFE AND ALERT!!!!

Prior Lee County Publix incident and March arrest

This is not the first time Lawrence has had contact with law enforcement around the Lee County Publix.

Just weeks ago, on March 14, LCSO arrested Lawrence after a call reported a man wearing a black ski mask and carrying what appeared to be a pistol, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies said they located Lawrence on Glendale Road and gave verbal commands for him to stop, but he ran toward the Publix area and then back across multiple streets before deputies chased him into a wooded area and took him into custody without further incident.

Deputies recovered a Glock 19 model CO₂ BB pistol and a taser, LCSO said.

Lawrence was booked into the Lee County Jail and charged with:

• Loitering and prowling
• Obstruction of law enforcement officers
• Wearing mask, hood, or device to conceal identity
• Simple assault
• Tampering with evidence

GBI sting arrest in Dougherty County

After learning about Thursday’s incident, WALB looked into Lawrence’s prior criminal history. We learned that in Nov. 2025, the GBI announced Lawrence was among 12 people arrested during “Operation Raydiant Shadows,” an operation targeting sex traffickers and commercial sex buyers in the Dougherty County area. The GBI said six commercial sex workers met with victim advocates and were offered services.

Lawrence was charged with pandering in that case, the GBI said. (Pandering is defined under Georgia law as soliciting a person to perform an act of prostitution, or assembling people at a fixed place for the purpose of being solicited.)

Chief Deputy Burgess told WALB the sheriff’s office is committed to increased patrols at commercial locations across Lee County.

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