Arrested in multiple burglaries
Arrested in multiple burglaries
OCTOBER 24, 2008 - A High Springs man was arrested and charged with multiple Columbia County burglaries Wednesday and the stolen property has been returned to the owners.
Jeffery Allen Steele, 26, was arrested after he was seen leaving a home on a bicycle that had been burglarized. Deputies tracked the man to a second nearby home where he had used the telephone to call for a ride.
Steele was charged with burglary of several unoccupied structures, grand theft and petit theft as well as charges from Alachua County that include dealing in stolen property, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the course of the initial investigation, evidence was collected that indicated Mr. Steel had burglarized four homes on the same street in southwestern Columbia County. Jewelry, video game equipment and other electronic equipment was found and returned.
"Deputy Sercey did an outstanding job in following up on the evidence and securing this arrest," said Sheriff Bill Gootee. "Our investigation is continuing and more charges are possible."
Mr. Steel was being held without bond in the Columbia County Jail.
