Florida Man Responsible for 10+ Burglaries
Drugs can make people do illegal things or things they would not normally do. Many people engage in various crimes to support their drug habit.
A 46-year-old man accused of burglarizing homes in two Spanish Lakes communities allegedly told investigators that he had become addicted to methamphetamine and was spending all of his money on drugs, according to court records..
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s officials said the investigation began after a reported June 8 burglary in the Spanish Lakes Fairways community. The suspect was also linked to 10 burglaries in the nearby Spanish Lakes Country Club Village community, where he lived.
Investigators increased patrols in the area as the burglaries continued. In the early morning hours of June 8, deputies spotted a sport utility vehicle partially in the roadway and partially on the grass outside a home. A television was visible in the back seat. When deputies later stopped the vehicle, the driver claimed the television had been given to him by a friend in the community. That friend denied giving away the television and told deputies the driver had left his home several hours earlier.
Deputies then discovered that the nearby residence had been burglarized. Investigators reported finding pry marks on a door and rooms that appeared to have been thoroughly searched. A jewelry box was left in the middle of the bedroom floor.
According to the affidavit, the suspect admitted to burglarizing the home and said his methamphetamine addiction had consumed his finances.
Detectives later identified similarities across the other Spanish Lakes burglaries. Investigators said the homes were typically entered by force using a pry tool or similar instrument. Once inside, the intruder allegedly searched drawers, closets, cabinets, safes, and other storage areas. Many of the targeted homes were owned by seasonal residents who were away from Florida for extended periods.
Investigators also noted that the suspect’s residence was centrally located to many of the burglarized homes and that he was likely familiar with occupancy patterns in the community, including which homes were frequently vacant. Detectives further reported that the suspect had conducted numerous pawn transactions during the same period in which the burglaries occurred.
The suspect was jailed on multiple burglary-related charges and was being held on a $200,000 bond.
Burglary Laws in Florida
Under Florida law, burglary generally occurs when someone:
- Enters a home, building, or vehicle without permission and intends to commit a crime inside; or
- Remains inside a property after permission has been withdrawn and intends to commit a crime.
Burglary is typically charged as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
A burglary may become a first-degree felony if:
- The offender makes an assault or battery during the burglary.
- The offender is armed with a dangerous weapon.
- The offender causes property damage exceeding a certain amount.
- A vehicle is used to damage the property during entry.
A first-degree felony can carry penalties of up to life imprisonment in some circumstances.
Contact Us Today
Florida law treats burglary seriously. It is important that you know the laws involved and the penalties you may face.
Contact a Fort Myers burglary defense attorney from Hollander & Hanuka for experienced legal help. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case and challenge any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Schedule a consultation today by calling (239) 332-3300 or filling out the online form.
Source:
tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/st-lucie-county/2026/06/11/florida-burglary-suspect-hooked-on-meth-says-his-money-funds-drugs/90510269007/
