The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a habitual offender after an investigation by the Organized Shoplifting Unit uncovered a barcode manipulation scheme targeting Lowe’s stores in Hillsborough County and Clearwater.
Mark Brents, 57, who has been in prison 11 times and has been booked into Orient Road Jail a whopping 74 times since 1985, has now been arrested for defrauding Lowe’s of more than $4,500 worth of goods in ten separate cases.
The HCSO Organized Retail Theft Unit (ORT) became aware of the fraudulent activity and immediately launched an investigation earlier this month. Brent’s fraudulent activity involved sticking barcodes from cheaper items onto more expensive products or scanning significantly cheaper items instead of paying the full price. Using this barcode manipulation scheme, he was able to defraud Lowe’s on multiple occasions. Investigators also uncovered several ads placed online by Brent promoting stolen items.
In coordination with the Clearwater Police Department, ORT launched an undercover operation to arrest Brents. On August 21, 2024, Brents was observed driving erratically in a black Nissan Altima with a false license plate. When Brents returned to his residence, ORT, along with the Clearwater Police Department, successfully took Brents into custody.
“Our Organized Shoplifting Unit worked closely with the Clearwater Police Department to arrest a career criminal before he could damage more businesses in our community. This partnership was critical in stopping a thief who has been a repeat offender for decades and speaks volumes about the power of cooperation between law enforcement agencies,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Despite his long criminal history, this man has not learned his lesson. We will not tolerate habitual offenders who continue to harm our community.”
Brents faces several charges, including:
- Organized scheme to defraud less than $20,000
- Shoplifting $3,000 or more
- Grand theft
- Driving despite suspension, revocation or withdrawal of the driving license
- Petty theft
Brents was on probation for escape at the time of his arrest. Clearwater police have filed additional charges of petty theft in connection with a stolen pressure washer. He walked past all of the checkout counters at the Lowe’s store without paying.
“Our investigators were happy to work with their colleagues at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to get this man off the streets,” said Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy. “He has already violated laws on numerous occasions in numerous legal areas.”
This is an ongoing investigation.
