Two Sarasota residents have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries in the area. Jennifer Shockey, 36, and Johnny Estes, 41, were taken into custody following an investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
The investigation began on January 5th with a report of a residential burglary. Two air compressors and a miter saw were stolen from the third story of a vacant residence under renovation. That same day, a separate burglary was reported nearby, where a wallet, checkbook, and other items were stolen from a vehicle.
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Video surveillance footage from neighbors in both incidents captured a dark, long-bed, four-door pickup truck in the area. This crucial evidence helped detectives link the two burglaries.
The stolen items were later recovered from local pawn shops. Investigators were able to trace the pawned items back to Shockey, leading to a search warrant.
Shockey and Estes were subsequently stopped in the same pickup truck identified in the surveillance footage. They consented to a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of additional stolen items, including several IDs belonging to other individuals.
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Shockey was arrested and charged with dealing in stolen property and providing false information to a pawnbroker. Estes was charged with unlawfully possessing five or more identifications and possession of marijuana under 20 grams.
The investigation remains active, and additional charges against Shockey and Estes are pending. Detectives believe the pair may be involved in other burglaries in the area.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar burglary or has information regarding this case is urged to contact Detective Ivings at 941-861-4009 or Crime Stoppers at 941-366-8477 (366-TIPS).
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