As of Sunday, January 8, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Albany Herald
The loot that a teenage couple stole from unlocked vehicles from Lee County sits on a table.
LEESBURG — More than $3,000 worth of guns, cameras, GPS devices and other loot could cost a 19-year-old man and his 16-year-old-female companion time in the slammer, a Lee County Sheriff’s Office official said.
According to Sheriff Reggie Rachals, Christopher Matthews and the girl ransacked at least nine unlocked vehicles in the Canterbury subdivision off Lovers Lane Road before ending up in cuffs after 5:50 a.m. Saturday.
“She would run up to the cars and steal whatever was in them,” Rachals said. “She came back to the car and Matthews was the driver. So far we have nine entering auto charges.”
When they were arrested, the suspects also had marijuana and drug pipes. They also had a table full of stolen goods including a handful of change, a purse, wallet, a Psalm book and boxer shorts displayed in the sheriff’s office at 1 p.m. Saturday, Rachals said.
Matthews was charged for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, obstruction, driving on a suspended license, possession of burglary tools and firearm possession, Rachals added.
Mathews is in Lee County Jail and the girl was taken into custody, Rachals said. Her name and location were not disclosed because she is a minor, he added.
“They were just going along and checking the door handles and finding the door opened, it is easy accessible, they don’t want to bust something in and cause noise,” Rachals said.
At least one victim heard them. He called deputies, who responded in time to catch the duo, Rachals said. Often unlocked vehicles are targets for thieves. Rachals urged people to lock their car doors.
More like this story
- Two suspects arrested for entering autos ( July 2, 2012 )
- Teenage trio hits five cars ( November 7, 2012 )
- Leesburg police take down auto theft crew ( January 13, 2010 )
- Lee man arrested for child porn ( February 9, 2011 )
- Five teens charged in theft ring ( September 10, 2010 )
Comments
LuLu 1 year, 5 months ago
Who cares if she's a minor? She was the one actually commiting the crimes! Publish her name and picture, too!!!
Sally_O 1 year, 5 months ago
They need to change the law regarding minors. It's just a tool used to let the younger people do the crime thinking they won't be punished as bad. If they are old enough to do the crime, they are old enough to do the time. They need to start charging everybody as adults.
whodat 1 year, 5 months ago
AMEN!
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