Two men have been charged Grand Theft for stealing multiple residential air conditioner units.
During the month of July, 2011, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office investigated several thefts of residential air conditioner units from homes in southern Columbia County. Deputy Brian Rix was able to develop two suspects during the course of the investigation. On 8/11/2011, Detectives Joe Vargo and Todd Green located the two suspects at 24452 CR 49 in Obrien, FL. The location was the home of suspect Matthew Thomas. Both Thomas and suspect Kyle Register were in the process of dismantling an air conditioner unit when the Detectives arrived.
Detectives were able to determine that the suspects had stolen at least eight (8) air conditioners from the Ft. White area and from surrounding counties. The suspects would sell the air conditioner parts to local metals recyclers and receive cash. Detectives made contact with the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office and learned that several similar thefts have occurred in their county.
Matthew Thomas was arrested without incident and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility. Arrest warrants have been sought for Kyle Register. Additional charges may be filed as this investigation moves forward. It is possible that additional thefts have occurred but have yet to be reported to law enforcement.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office/Detective Division at 386.758.1095. Citizens may also call or text Crime Stoppers of Columbia County at 386.754.7099. Callers to Crimes Stoppers will always remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Arrested:
[lightbox href=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Matthew-Thomas.jpg”] [image src=”https://columbiasheriff.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Matthew-Thomas.jpg” height=150 width=150] [/lightbox]
Matthew Steven Thomas, 8/26/1979
24454 CR 49, Obrien, FL
Thomas has been released on $25,000.00 bond. Thomas and Register are both charged with Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, Burglary and Criminal Mischief.
