Mass State Trooper Resigns After $1,000 Target Shoplifting Plea Deal

Zachariah Kent faced accusations of stealing golf balls and other merchandise using a self-checkout skip-scanning method.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A Massachusetts State Police trooper named Zachariah Kent has resigned from the force after taking a plea deal for allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise, including golf balls, from a Target store using a skip-scanning method at the self-checkout. Kent received a dishonorable discharge as part of the disciplinary process.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing issues of misconduct and accountability within the Massachusetts State Police, with several other troopers facing internal and criminal investigations for alleged misdeeds in recent years.

The details

According to court records, Trooper Zachariah Kent was accused of using a skip-scanning method at a Target self-checkout to avoid ringing up over $1,000 worth of merchandise, including golf balls. Kent took an Alfred plea deal last year, which allowed him to avoid admitting guilt but acknowledged that prosecutors had sufficient evidence. As part of the agreement, Kent paid Target $1,000 and was barred from entering their stores.

  • Kent was suspended without pay by the State Police in 2024 after the shoplifting allegations came to light.
  • Kent took the Alfred plea deal and paid the $1,000 restitution last year.

The players

Zachariah Kent

A former Massachusetts State Police trooper who resigned after taking a plea deal for allegedly stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise, including golf balls, from a Target store using a skip-scanning method at the self-checkout.

Massachusetts State Police

The state law enforcement agency that suspended Kent without pay in 2024 and later accepted his resignation, issuing him a dishonorable discharge as part of the disciplinary process.

Target

The retail store from which Kent was accused of stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise, including golf balls, using a skip-scanning method at the self-checkout.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges the Massachusetts State Police face in maintaining public trust and accountability, as several troopers have faced misconduct allegations in recent years. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior and adherence to the law, especially for those in positions of public service.