Where Shopping Is His Pleasure. Publix At Glades And U.S. 441 In West Boca Raton. $25,000 Bond.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Boca Raton man is facing a stalking charge after he allegedly harassed a 17-year-old employee at Publix over two days. Francois Delprato, 61, of the 20000 block of Palm Island Drive, was arrested Sunday by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
According to an arrest report, the 17-year-old cashier told deputies that Delprato first approached him on Saturday in the parking lot of the Publix at 9846 Glades Road. Delprato allegedly told the teen, “I think you’re very cute” and “You look very good in that outfit.” When the employee stated he was 17 and the comments were “weird,” Delprato allegedly asked if he was gay and replied, “That’s unfortunate,” when the teen said no. The employee told police the interaction made him feel “very uncomfortable and anxious.”
The report states Delprato returned to the store on Sunday and specifically entered the 17-year-old’s checkout line, even though self-checkout lanes were open. Delprato allegedly told the employee, “You’re cute,” and “I want to experiment with you. I haven’t had an experience with a boy yet.” The employee again reminded Delprato he was underage. The victim reported that Delprato also attempted to “caress his hand” when taking a receipt.
The employee obtained Delprato’s phone number, which he provided to law enforcement. Deputies located Delprato at his Palm Island Drive residence. According to the affidavit, after being read his Miranda rights, Delprato initially denied the allegations but later provided an admission. He was charged with stalking and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He remains held on $25,000 bond.
