Joe has been an active thief in the Haven of Winter.
In August, Joe stole a kayak near Lake Dexter.
In November, he burgled a store on Cypress Gardens Road, and stole cartons of cigarettes and $200 in cash.
On December 9th, Joe stole another kayak from the same place he stole the first kayak.
On December 11th, Joe stole Christmas decorations and pavers from a business on Cypress Gardens Road.
Up to this point, Joe had been under the radar…but that changed.
As detectives were doing their investigations, they spotted a kayak in a canal. They made contact with a resident who lived near the canal, and that person said that he had seen Joe using it and another kayak.
The detectives found where Joe lives and went to his home. That’s when they spotted the stolen pavers and stolen Christmas decorations.
Joe denied that ALL of the pavers were stolen. He claimed that he bought some pavers from a guy that he only knew as “Karate Kid.” Mr. Miyagi would be disappointed.
Joe also denied stealing cigarettes and cash from the store, but admitted to being around that area during the crimes, and also said that the store owner owed him money.
Joe has three prior convictions for robbery in Osceola County, and a conviction for felony petit theft in Volusia County. Now Joe is facing charges in Polk County for: burglary (2-counts), grand theft (2-counts), and felony petit theft (5-counts).
