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Teens admit thefts, police say

The youths currently are charged only with auto theft but have admitted to about 100 car break-ins in Shore Acres and Snell Isle.

By DAVID KARP
Published January 16, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - Police have arrested a group of teenagers who they say broke into about 100 cars in Shore Acres and Snell Isle recently.

Maj. Reggie Oliver said the four teenagers admitted to committing a rash of break-ins when they were caught on Jan. 4.

Police say the teenagers would canvass streets in the waterfront neighborhoods at night, opening unlocked cars and stealing merchandise left inside.

The teenagers stole CD players, cell phones, stereo equipment, speakers and one firearm, Oliver said.

Oliver said the teenagers, who knew each other through school, sold the stolen goods on the street.

Police are still investigating whether any pawnshops bought any merchandise from them.

The four teenagers arrested are:

Devin Plant, 19, of 201 37th Ave. N, who is charged with auto theft, armed burglary, and loitering and prowling. He remained in jail Friday on $80,250 bail.

Jeremy Borden, 18, of 331 49th Ave. N, who is charged with armed burglary, grand theft auto, loitering and prowling, and failure to appear in court on charges of driving with a suspended and altered driver's license. He remained in jail Friday on $80,926 bail.

Joshua Sheehan, 18, of 1900 76th Ave. S, who is charged with armed burglary, grand theft auto, and loitering and prowling. He was released on his own recognizance.

A 17-year-old male was also arrested, but the charges were not available because he is a juvenile.

The teenagers have only been charged in connection with one auto theft, not the other burglaries, Detective Mike Gray said.

Since their arrest, however, vehicle burglaries in the area have dropped off, Oliver said.

[Last modified January 16, 2005, 00:57:42]