Tampa Man Charged With Burglary in Sumter County

A 44-year-old Tampa man, recently released from prison after serving a three year sentence for burglary and grand theft, has been charged by Sumter County police with new grand theft and burglary charges.

At the end of last month, the man was arrested for grand theft of a motor vehicle and driving on a suspended or revoked license. During this arrest, the officer noticed the man was in possession of cigarettes, lottery tickets and other various items, and suspected they had been stolen in a string of break-ins at several convenience stores.

Police claim they reviewed video surveillance of the store burglaries and identified the man arrested as the alleged robber.

The man refused to talk to police before being charged with an additional two counts of burglary and grand theft.

Detectives believe the man faces similar burglary charges in Putnam County.

Grand theft charges are very serious, and prosecutors, without question, will seek maximum penalties. Most people are unaware of their legal rights and cooperate with police, answering their questions and allowing them to conduct unfair investigations that could be could be used against them in court. Because these charges are so severe, you must act fast and protect your rights by enlisting the help of a theft defense lawyer.

Grand theft charges in Florida can vary in severity from a third-degree felony all the way up to a very serious first-degree felony charge. What a person is charged with depends on the value of the property stolen. Despite whether a crime was committed, those accused of grand theft must take these charges seriously and obtain the help of a criminal defense attorney. The penalties attached to grand theft charges can be quite harsh. Not only could you be facing a lengthy time behind bars, a grand theft conviction can damage your personal and professional reputation, making it very difficult to obtain employment in the future.

If you or someone you know has been accused of grand theft in The Villages, it is essential to contact a Villages Theft Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away. We understand just what is at stake for you and how these charges can negatively impact your life forever. Timing is everything in theft cases, so the sooner you contact us the better chances we have at getting the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions you may have, so contact us today online or call our office in the Villages at 352-369-5334.