Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Alex Nicholas Harding, a 39-year-old realtor, found himself in handcuffs yesterday amid accusations of repeatedly pilfering sports cards from Walmart outlets in the area. Authorities suspect him of being involved in similar thefts across the state.

The investigation began when a Gainesville Police Department Detective was tipped off by a Walmart Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) on November 12. The LPO revealed that since September 13, Harding has allegedly been linked to six thefts at the Butler Plaza Walmart. Meanwhile, the northwest Walmart reported “at least four” incidents since September 18, and the Waldo Road location confirmed five instances, with that figure potentially rising to “likely around 20.” Harding is reportedly a frequent visitor to the Waldo Road store.

The detective further disclosed that Harding is a suspect in two additional cases: the theft of nearly $600 worth of sports cards from a Dunnellon Walmart on September 28 and another incident involving almost $900 worth of cards from a Leesburg Walmart on October 23. Surveillance cameras captured all these thefts, and more local charges are anticipated as LPOs continue to review footage.

Crucially, the LPO provided the detective with Harding’s identity and a description of his vehicle—a red Honda Civic with a spoiler. This information has alerted Walmart stores to be vigilant for Harding and his car, especially following the issuance of a warrant in Lake County.

On November 13, Harding’s vehicle was spotted entering the Butler Plaza Walmart parking lot. Two employees monitored his movements as he exited his car, grabbed a shopping cart, and headed directly to the sports card aisle. He allegedly picked up a box of Topps basketball cards valued at $24.99, took them to the women’s apparel section, and discreetly slipped the packs into his pants pocket before leaving the store without paying. An LPO confronted him as he exited.

Harding was reportedly compliant and returned to the Loss Prevention Office with the LPO and provided his driver’s license to confirm his identity. Gainesville Police Department officers responded and arrested him on the Lake County warrant.

The LPO told officers that the theft that day was a “light” one because their latest shipment had not arrived.

The detective reported that the loss to Walmart is “thousands” of dollars, but the total loss has not yet been determined.

Post Miranda, in response to a question about why he was stealing sports cards, Harding reportedly said, “There’s honestly no explanation. I honestly can’t explain it… I honestly don’t have a valid excuse… I’m honestly glad I got caught because it breaks the pattern. All I can offer is my apologies… It’s like a gambling addiction kind of thing… This is the best thing that can happen, honestly — it was becoming a pattern that had a little bit of a grip on me. This is obviously what I need to turn the corner.”

When asked how many times he had stolen from the Waldo Road Walmart, Harding reportedly said he had no idea and does not “keep track”; when pressed, he said it was at least 10 times, but he wasn’t sure it would be 20.

Harding has been charged with petit theft and engaging in a scheme to defraud; he has also been charged with stealing 20 or more items in at least three incidents over 120 days. He has no criminal history but has an active warrant out of Lake County. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $50,000 on the first two charges, and bail for the third charge will be set tomorrow.

According to his profile at Realtor.com, Harding moved to Gainesville in 2022 from South Carolina and became a realtor. Before the move, he spent a decade as a youth pastor and three years as an international missionary. He formed his own real estate team this year.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.