A Belleview man is facing burglary and theft charges after he allegedly stole several hundred dollars’ worth of tools from a local business.
On Sunday, January 5, two Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporals responded to Florida Oaks Mulch, LLC, which is located at 4550 SE 95th Street in Belleview, in reference to a burglary incident.
According to the arrest report, a male witness noticed that tools were “out of place” when he arrived at the business. He then advised that he “entered deeper into the barn” and observed a man kneeling in the back who was “attempting to hide.”
The man was later identified as 51-year-old Loyd Allen Lunceford.
The witness told the corporals that Lunceford had tools in his pockets that belonged to the business.
The corporals made contact with Lunceford. After being read his Miranda rights, he allegedly claimed that he “thought the business was abandoned,” adding that he was looking for “tools (and) scrap metal to pawn.”
During the post-Miranda interview, Lunceford claimed that this was “the only time” he had been to the business.
In the report, one of the corporals noted that the tools mentioned by the witness were found inside Lunceford’s pockets. A glass pipe was also allegedly found in his front right pocket, and it field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.
The owner of the business informed the sheriff’s office that the total value of the stolen tools was approximately $250.
Lunceford was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with unarmed burglary of an unoccupied structure, first-degree petit theft (over $100 but less than $750), and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A court date has not been scheduled yet, according to jail records.