Accomplice sought in gift card scheme

By S.I. ROSENBAUM
Published October 28, 2005

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BRANDON - Hillsborough sheriff's deputies are still looking for the suspect known as "Pat."

According to the Sheriff's Office, "Pat" worked with Conrad Pierre Warren, a 31-year-old Walgreens assistant manager, to steal nearly $74,000 worth of gift cards over a seven-month period, ending in May.

Investigators say Warren, of 1312 N Parsons Ave. in Seffner, activated the gift cards for chain stores and restaurants on a machine at the Walgreens at 128 E Brandon Blvd.

"Pat" then paid Warren cash, which Warren pocketed, investigators said.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said the store became aware of a discrepancy between how many cards were activated and how much money had been taken in and contacted authorities.

Warren was arrested last week and charged with 350 counts of dealing in stolen property, as well as charges of second-degree grand theft and organized fraud worth more than $50,000.

Because of the number of charges, he is being held in the county jail in lieu of more than $5-million bail.

But Carter said "Pat" still hasn't been found.

"We are continuing to investigate," she said.