A homeless man who was arrested in the theft of items at a local Walmart complained that he had fallen on hard times.
A deputy responded to Walmart, located at 17961 S U.S. Hwy. 441, Summerfield, regarding a theft at 4:35 p.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, 63-year-old Richard Allen Roberts, was already in the loss prevention office.
Upon arrival, the deputy met with a loss prevention associate who advised that he saw Roberts in the store. Roberts picked up various tools, which seemed suspicious due to the number of items being selected. The associate continued watching him as he selected other various items, including food and an air conditioning unit, the report said.
The associate watched Roberts go to the grocery area, pick up a food item and put it in his pocket. Roberts then went to leave the store through the garden area and passed all points of sale. The associate approached him at that point, and he was cooperative when they escorted him to their office, the report said.
The deputy next spoke with Roberts, who stated he was currently homeless and staying with a friend. He had fallen into hard times financially and knew what he did was wrong. The total value of items recovered by the associate was valued at $747.09, the report said.
A criminal history check showed Roberts had previously been arrested in a theft case in Wildwood.
Roberts was arrested on charge of petit theft (third or subsequent offense). The Indiana native was transported to Marion County Jail with bond set at $2,500.