Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Carl Neal Lewis, 60, found himself behind bars on charges of felony petit theft after allegedly stealing 19 Gator shirts, Tide Pods, and t-shirts in a bid to trade them for crack and pay his rent.

On August 31, around 1:30 p.m., a Loss Prevention Officer (LPO) at the Butler Plaza Walmart (2900 SW 42nd Street) observed a man purchase four Tide Pods containers and exit the store. Shortly thereafter, the man returned, picked up another four Tide Pods containers, and bypassed the self-checkout without making any payments. Reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, the LPO confirmed the man didn’t pay for the items.

A few moments later, the man entered the store again, selecting a backpack, 19 Gator shirts, and another set of four Tide Pods containers. He proceeded to hide several t-shirts in the backpack within the crafts department. Once again, he attempted to exit the self-checkout without settling the bill. As he tried to exit, the LPO stopped him and took him to the loss prevention office, where he was identified as Lewis. The LPO reported recovering merchandise valued at $668.53.

After being read his Miranda rights, Lewis reportedly admitted he has a crack addiction and is two months behind on rent. He stated his plan was to sell the stolen goods to cover his rent costs.

Lewis faces a charge of felony petit theft, noted as a third or subsequent offense. His history includes at least two prior theft convictions in Broward County. Judge Kristine Van Vorst has set his bail at $10,000.

Arrest-related articles are compiled based on information from law enforcement agencies. The listed charges come from arrest reports and/or court records, and they are only accusations. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.