A 42-year-old Ocklawaha man was arrested after being accused of entering a male victim’s residence and stealing a safe that contained approximately $1,000.
On Friday, June 3, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the local residence in reference to a burglary incident. When the deputy arrived on scene, the male victim stated that Daniel Adam Baker had entered his residence, covered a surveillance camera, and stole the safe along with the money that was inside.
According to the victim, the burglary had occurred on Thursday, June 2, between the hours of 10 a.m. and shortly after 3 p.m. The victim showed the deputy video footage, and the deputy observed Baker as he turned off the bedroom’s light prior to entering the room and throwing a jacket over the camera.
The victim advised the deputy that his dogs were not barking, which signified that they were familiar with the person who had entered the residence.
The deputy made contact with a female witness who stated that she observed a slender white male with blonde hair who was standing on the victim’s back porch. The witness observed that the victim’s dogs were not barking as they usually did when someone came near the residence.
The victim confirmed that the description provided by the witness matched Baker’s appearance. The MCSO report indicated that the deputy responded to Baker’s residence in Ocklawaha and made contact with him.
Baker agreed to speak with the deputy and claimed that he had entered the victim’s residence after fishing to “get a glass of water.” According to the MCSO report, he changed his story and stated that he entered the residence to steal marijuana from the victim.
Baker eventually admitted that he entered the victim’s bedroom and covered the camera that was inside the room. When asked about the victim’s safe, Baker denied taking it.
The victim informed the deputy that Baker did not have regular access to the residence and did not have permission to enter the home or bedroom on the date of the incident.
Baker was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on $3,000 bond. He is facing felony charges for burglary and grand theft (over $300 but less than $5,000).
A court date has been scheduled on Tuesday, July 5 at 9 a.m., according to jail records.