Prison Guard's Shocking Crime: Pokemon Card Theft Leads to Jail Time

Highlights

Pokemon card theft is a prevalent issue in the US, with expensive cards being a popular target for thieves.

A prison guard in Alabama was apprehended for stealing Pokemon TCG cards from a Walmart, leading to his arrest and termination of employment. The stolen cards were discovered in the guard's possession, and the stolen items were estimated to be worth less than $500, classifying the act as a misdemeanor.

A prison guard from Alabama was fired and incarcerated for stealing Pokemon TCG cards from a local retailer. This incident adds to the growing number of Pokemon card theft cases in the United States.

Pokemon TCG boosters and sets have consistently been targeted for theft globally. Given the high value of certain Pokemon cards, this trend is expected to persist in the future.

The most recent instance of this concerning trend occurs in Oxford, Alabama. On Saturday, August 12, Calhoun County correctional officer Josh Hardy was apprehended for stealing Pokemon cards from a local Walmart. Around 7 p.m., some store staff members allegedly witnessed Hardy covertly taking cards from Pokemon TCG booster packs and concealing them in his pocket. This prompted them to confront him. Hardy, who was in full uniform, then swiftly fled the Oxford Walmart on foot. Subsequently, the employees notified the police, as reported by WVTM-TV.

Local authorities apprehended him shortly after the incident at a nearby restaurant and took him to jail. At the time of his arrest, he still had the stolen Pokemon cards in his possession. Hardy was promptly charged with theft and his actions led to him losing his job as a correctional officer. Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade expressed his disappointment, stating that the incident had damaged the reputation of the local Sheriff's Office and law enforcement as a whole.

The exact value of the stolen goods is uncertain, but local reports suggest that Hardy only took as many cards as could fit into his uniform pockets. It is unlikely that the stolen Pokemon TCG booster packs exceeded a retail value of $500. Therefore, he could be charged with fourth-degree theft, which is considered a Class A misdemeanor in Alabama. This offense carries a fine of up to $6,000 and a maximum prison sentence of one year.

In November 2022, a police officer from Kansas was discharged from duty after attempting to deceive a store in order to obtain Pokemon cards, joining the list of recent Pokemon-related crimes involving U.S. law enforcement. Although this offense resulted in the loss of his job, the local District Attorney's office reached a diversion agreement with the offender, effectively postponing prosecution indefinitely as long as the individual maintains good behavior.