A 35-year-old Ocala man is behind bars after local authorities reportedly caught him using a vacant apartment’s electricity to charge his cellphone and electric bicycle.
Shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday, June 19, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office corporal responded to an apartment complex located on SE 53rd Court in reference to a burglary incident. A neighbor had informed authorities that an individual was inside a nearby unit, which was supposed to be vacant, according to the arrest report.
The corporal noted that a combination lockbox was still attached to the front doorknob, and all doors and windows were shut. Upon entering the apartment to clear it, the deputy reportedly observed a man, identified as Kevin Darion Chambers, walking inside one of the bedrooms without permission.
When confronted by the corporal, Chambers allegedly advised that he had entered the apartment to charge his cellphone and E-bike. The corporal mentioned in the report that Chambers “did not have a key or access to the lockbox,” and he reportedly admitted to “breaking into the (unit) by way of force through the back sliding glass door.”
Chambers was detained in handcuffs and escorted off the premises. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Chambers allegedly refused to speak with the corporal any further.
The report stated that the initial estimated value of the stolen electricity was approximately $2, pending a full inspection of the utility bills.
Chambers was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. His bond has been set at $5,500, and he is facing the following charges: unarmed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and second-degree theft of utility services.
On Tuesday, July 21, Chambers is scheduled to appear in a Marion County courtroom at 9 a.m., according to jail records.