DeLand, FL – A DeLand man convicted 10 years ago for grand theft is back in jail after admitting to stealing around $100,000 in property over the past 7 months to fuel his crystal meth habit.
That’s the word from the DeLand Police Department after detectives link 50-year-old James Weaver to numerous thefts around the southeast side of the city, primarily from empty model homes.
Weaver – who was arrested on July 29th – remains at Volusia County Jail on $15,000 bond on charges of grand theft and burglary as of 3pm Wednesday.
Much of the stolen property – including lawn mowers, jet skis, trailers, tools, lawn equipment, patio furniture, outdoor kitchen appliances, household appliances and construction materials – was found the same day Weaver was arrested after a search warrant was served at Weaver’s East Carolina Avenue home, according to his arrest report.
DeLand PD Special Operations Chief Randel Henderson says detectives have linked Weaver to thefts dating as far back as January.
“Often, the property was removed from construction sites [and] multiple vacant and model homes,” Henderson added. “[There was also] an apartment complex and a golf course.”
DeLand PD detectives had trouble cracking the case until they sent out a news release about a man caught on video breaking into model homes on Lumberton Lane last April. (Click here for that story.)
News coverage led to an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip that eventually led detectives to Weaver, according to Henderson.
“[The tip] provided the investigators with a solid lead,” Henderson stated. “This tip – coupled with additional investigative steps by DeLand investigators – confirmed his identity.”
Detectives found the stolen property in several areas inside and outside of Weaver’s home, including in the backyard, in several garages and sheds and under some covered awnings, according to the arrest report.
“DeLand investigators are now working to return items to the victims,” Henderson said. “Additional charges of burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen property are forthcoming.”
In the arrest report, Weaver admitted to stealing the property so he could find money for crystal meth but also claimed he couldn’t remember many of the actual thefts.
Besides his 2005 conviction on grand theft, Weaver has been booked at VCJ 7 other times since August 2001, including in May for battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, using an unassigned license plate and resisting an officer.
Weaver was also arrested in April for driving with a suspended license.
The photos above and below of the actual stolen property are courtesy of DeLand PD.
James Weaver (mugshot courtesy VCJ)
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.