Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Thomas Merrill Prickett, 39, was arrested yesterday for allegedly stealing over $400 in merchandise from Walmart and attempting to escape after he was arrested. He was also wanted for violating probation after not reporting to his probation officer since August.
At about 10:30 a.m. on December 16, a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) at the Butler Plaza Walmart and a Gainesville Police Department Sergeant reportedly saw Prickett loading a shopping cart with merchandise that included several space heaters, LED trailer lights, motor oil, and dashboard cameras, valued at $436.13. Prickett allegedly pushed the shopping cart past all points of sale and tried to leave the store with it but was stopped in the vestibule.
A search incident to arrest reportedly produced two charging cords ($18.96). All of the merchandise was recovered.
Post Miranda, Prickett said he was stealing the merchandise to he could sell it.
The arrest reports notes that GPD is investigating a report of a theft ring that “employs” people at GRACE to go to Target, Walmart, and other stores to steal specific merchandise. Prickett reportedly denied working for anybody else.