Palm Coast, Fla. (WFLA) — A Palm Coast man has been arrested following a series of thefts of home appliances in Florida, according to lawmakers.
Throughout January, 50-year-old James Shepherd stole 22 appliances from his Flagler and his St. John’s County home construction site, both Flagger and St. John’s County Sheriff said.
“It’s almost dehumanized”: the man who won a lawsuit against the company that stole his home
Officials said cameras drove through the community Shepherd is currently building, entered the house, removed appliances and placed them in the truck bed.
Stolen appliances ranged from refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and small items such as doorknobs, paints, air filters, and tile grouts.
So far, detectives believe Shepherd committed eight robberies in St. John’s County. He was arrested on January 21 after finding the item in a storage unit belonging to Shepherd.
The day before, authorities arrested and charged Shepherd for driving with an expired license and driving the vehicle with a stolen license plate. A full-size refrigerator that he later decided to be stolen was also in his truck during the arrest.
Investigators said Shepherd would often replace the vehicle and license plate during his string of thefts. He is currently facing charges of vacant residence, petite theft and major theft robbery.
Both sheriff’s offices are looking for victims who may have purchased electrical appliances since January 1st without realizing that they were being stolen from Shepherd. St. John’s County residents will be asked to call 904-824-8304, while Flagler County residents will be asked to call 386-313-4911.
