HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — It's safe to say one man recently arrested on retail theft charges is no stranger to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
In fact, Mark Brents has been booked into the Orient Road Jail 74 times since 1985, the agency said in a news release. And at just 57 years old, he's gearing up for his 75th stay.
Deputies say this time, Brents was arrested for defrauding Lowe's of more than $4,500 in merchandise through a "barcode manipulation scheme."
The sheriff's office retail theft unit launched an investigation earlier this month. According to investigators, Brents placed barcodes for cheaper items onto more expensive products on 10 different occasions.
Investigators also say they found several ads Brents placed online advertising the stolen items.
On Aug. 21, Brents was reportedly seen driving erratically in a black Nissan Altima "with an improper tag."
Clearwater police took Brents into custody when he returned to his home.
"Our Organized Retail Theft Unit, working hand-in-hand with the Clearwater Police Department, successfully apprehended a career criminal before he could victimize more businesses in our community," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Despite this individual's lengthy criminal history, he still has not learned his lesson. We will not tolerate habitual offenders who continue to prey on our community."
Brents was charged with organized scheme to defraud, retail theft and felony petit theft. The Clearwater Police Department filed additional charges related to the stolen property. Brents was also on probation at the time of his arrest.
According to the sheriff's office, Brents has also previously been to prison 11 times.
The investigation is ongoing.
