A Gainesville man was arrested Sunday after he allegedly broke into a vehicle and stole financial transaction cards earlier in September.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said officers received a report via the department’s online reporting system on Sept. 18. The victim indicated the crime occurred the night of Sept. 6 while her vehicle was parked at a residence on Saddle Creek Drive in the Gillsville area.
Following an initial investigation from an HCSO investigator, Alex Alfonso Mercado, 40, was determined to be a suspect in the case. Mercado is accused of entering the vehicle and stealing a wallet that contained two cards, a book bag, a set of headphones, and two clothing items.
Mercado allegedly used the bank cards at six locations the night of Sept. 6, making purchases totaling $193.70. Using surveillance video from one of the stores where the suspect made an unauthorized purchase, the investigator was able to identify Mercado as the suspect.
Mercado was arrested at his home on Sept. 22, 2025. Some of the stolen property was recovered, according to HCSO.
As of last report, Mercado was being held on a bond of $39,900 for one count of entering auto to commit a theft and six counts of financial card transaction fraud.
