Three arrested for golf cart thefts | News

Ruskin, Florida -- Hillsborough deputies say they have arrested three people believed to have stolen more than a dozen golf carts from several mobile home parks.

Jason Beeche and Michael Griffiths were pulled over by deputies on Thursday after they were seen driving a golf cart on 19th Avenue NW and US 41 N in Ruskin. Detectives learned the golf cart was stolen from earlier that morning, and after investigating further, learned the two men were responsible for stealing 16 golf carts and also burglarizing several sheds over the last month.

With the information gathered, deputies also arrested Nicole Kramer, for allegedly buying and/or trading drugs for at least three of the golf carts. Tools stolen from the sheds were found in Kramer's hotel room.

"It is unusual," said Sgt. Robert Labarge, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies say a number of the carts were stolen without the owners leaving the key inside, because many carts have a universal key.

Debora Vanderhelm says she was shocked to find her cart stolen from the side of her mobile home.

"I really didn't think that anybody would come and take it," she said.

Griffiths is charged with one count of grand theft, Beeche faces 10 counts of grand theft, and Kramer is charged with two counts of dealing in stolen property, possession of cocaine, tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance, no valid driver's license and possession of drug paraphernalia.

So far eight of the golf carts, valued at $5,000, have been recovered. Detectives are continuing to investigate and say more charges are pending.

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