Three Florida men were arrested for the theft and destruction of a Pioneer model tiny home with an estimated value of $30,000. The home was last seen on Tuesday, June 7.
Brothers, Kevin Padilla, 64, and David Padilla, 68, were arrested. Phillip Aust, 36, was also arrested in this investigation.
Deputies responded to 2787 North Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers regarding the theft of a tiny home that the owner constructed and stored on the property.
Detectives learned through witness statements that a silver F-150 was seen towing the home near Howell Drive and Church Drive.
Detectives responded to Howell Drive and located a dual axel trailer. On Church Drive, detectives located a smoldering pile of debris, wooden beams, and other items used in home construction.
The described the materials he used to construct his home and the items were positively identified as those from his home. Nearby the debris, detectives found the silver F-150 that was seen transporting the home.
A search warrant was executed at 16850 Church Drive. Several items were located on the property that matched the tiny home including windows, wood, countertops, a toilet, etc.
“I am happy to report our detectives were able to make multiple arrests on this tiny home theft,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “North Fort Myers residents deserve to have law and order where their property is not stolen and destroyed.”
After a thorough and comprehensive investigation, detectives found probable cause to charge three suspects and are actively pursuing leads on additional suspects.
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