HERNANDO COUNTY, FL. – A Hernando couple is behind bars after a fireworks theft spree left them with a very short fuse.
According to Hernando County Sheriff, over the course of a week, numerous incidents of stolen fireworks were reported throughout Hernando County.
Detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office worked quickly to identify the two suspects later identified as Joseph Blahous, 26, and Nicole Cawthron, 30.
The initial incident occurred on June 27, at Rural King, located at 2468 Commercial Way, in Spring Hill when the duo was observed stealing a drill from the store.
The following day, suspects matching Blahous and Cawthron’s descriptions were observed stealing fireworks from Patriotic Fireworks located at 13251 Cortez Boulevard.
On July 3, the pair was observed stealing fireworks from TNT Fireworks located at 13100 Cortez Boulevard, and a report was received that two individuals later identified as Blahous and Cawthron had forced entry into a TNT Fireworks tent located at 1485 Commercial Way.
The couple stole more than $1,000 worth of fireworks from the business.
Also on July 3, the couple went to a Patriotic Fireworks tent located at 3085 Commercial Way where they stole about $600 worth of fireworks, according to deputies.
Then on July 4, deputies located Blahous and Cawthron sleeping in a vehicle parked at 2384 Commercial Way.
Deputies say they observed a large quantity of unused/new fireworks inside the vehicle, and the suspects were detained at the scene.
Following questioning, Blahous and Cawthron were arrested on four counts of Felony Retail Theft and one count of Burglary.
Cawthron was also charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Violation of Probation.
Both suspects were charged with an additional count of Retail Theft in connection with a 06-10-2021 incident where the couple stolen more than $1,200 in jewelry from a Walmart.
Additionally, Blahous was charged with Dealing in Stolen Property and Defrauding a Pawnbroker for selling the stolen jewelry.
Blahous and Cawthron were transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
Blahous’ bond was set at $24,000, while Cawthron is being held on a no-bond status due to her Violation of Probation charge.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. It’s Free And Coming To Apple Users Soon.
Support journalism by clicking here to our gofundme or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here