A 30-year-old man was arrested by Ocala police after he allegedly stole nearly $2,500 worth of collectible sports cards and an autographed baseball from a local business.
On Monday, April 27, an Ocala Police Department officer responded to Grand Slam Collectibles (1749 E Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala) in reference to a retail theft incident.
According to the arrest report, the store owner told police that on the previous day, a man – later identified as Darren Brandon Hunt – was observed on surveillance footage selecting multiple boxes of collectible sports cards. Hunt then allegedly concealed the items inside a small white backpack that he wore strapped across his chest.
The footage reportedly showed Hunt taking the merchandise toward the restroom area, and an employee later found opened boxes left behind. After concealing the stolen cards, Hunt reportedly approached the register and conducted a legitimate transaction, selling trading cards to a staff member.
Hunt then allegedly exited the store without paying for the concealed sports cards, which were valued at approximately $1,200.
The store owner reportedly conducted an internet search using the personal information that Hunt provided during the legitimate transaction, which led to Hunt being identified as the theft suspect in this case.
Over a week later, on Wednesday, May 6, an OPD officer returned to Grand Slam Collectibles after the owner reportedly spotted Hunt “concealing merchandise” inside the store.
The officer entered the business and located Hunt in one of the aisles. Hunt was detained and advised of his Miranda rights.
The report stated that during an ensuing interview, Hunt “admitted involvement in (both) thefts.” An officer noted that “multiple packets of collectible baseball cards” were allegedly found while searching Hunt’s pockets, and an “autographed baseball” was reportedly located inside a small backpack that was strapped to his chest.
The value of the unpaid merchandise from the second theft incident on May 6 was valued at approximately $1,260.
In addition, a small plastic baggie containing approximately one and a half pills were allegedly found in Hunt’s pockets. The pills were identified as buprenorphine, which is a controlled substance.
An Ocala police officer noted in the report that Hunt has multiple prior convictions for retail theft and had a recent encounter with law enforcement regarding a suspected trading card theft at a local Target.
Hunt was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail on May 6, where he remains in custody. He is being charged with two counts of felony grand theft and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
Marion County Court records show that Hunt is being represented by a public defender, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9.