HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A keen eye in the sky and swift action on the ground led to the arrest of two individuals found in possession of a stolen U-Haul van and a trove of stolen personal identification documents.
On January 17th, 2025, at approximately 2:11 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies located a stolen U-Haul van at the RaceTrac gas station on 2120 E Fowler Avenue in Tampa. With assistance from the Aviation Section, deputies observed Nicole Pender, 39, and Jean Gabaree, 43, entering the stolen vehicle and moving it within the parking lot.
Deputies swiftly apprehended both suspects without incident. A search of the van revealed a significant discovery: numerous personal identification items belonging to other individuals, including driver’s licenses, bank cards, and social security cards.
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Nicole Pender faces a slew of charges, including:
- Grand Theft Motor Vehicle
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (x2)
- Possession of Drug Without Prescription
- Unlawful Possession of Personal ID of Another (5 or more)
- Driving with License Suspended 3rd or Subsequent
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Jean Gabaree is charged with:
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (x2)
- Trespass in Unoccupied Structure or Conveyance
- Unlawful Possession of Personal ID of Another (5 or more)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
“This is another example of teamwork between our patrol deputies and specialized units like the Aviation Section,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Their efforts ensured stolen property was recovered, and two suspects were taken off the streets. We are committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that our community remains safe from criminal activity.”
The investigation remains active.
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