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Authorities say pair robbed 18 homes over 5 months

By BEN MONTGOMERY
Published July 16, 2006

TAMPA - A man and woman authorities say are responsible for kicking in the front doors of at least 18 homes and stealing thousands of dollars worth of electronic equipment and jewelry were apprehended at a Nebraska Avenue motel room Friday evening.

Ismael Mahsel, 28, and Amanda Velazquez, 26, were being held on charges stemming from a five-month burglary spree that began in March, when the two allegedly broke into a Lake Magdelene-area home and stole a 52-inch television and jewelry valued at $2,250.

Deputies arrested them at the El Rancho motel on Nebraska Avenue. A witness who is not named in the jail records identified Mahsel in a photo lineup.

When detectives questioned Mahsel - whose criminal record includes convictions for drug possession, burglary and dealing in stolen property - he confessed to burglarizing numerous homes, according to the records. He showed detectives the homes he had broken into.

The two are accused of stealing televisions, cash and furniture from homes near Lake Magdelene and the University of South Florida. They are suspected of burglarizing five homes in March, one in April, three in May, five in June and four in July.

Mahsel was being held on 37 charges of burglary of a dwelling, grand theft, dealing in stolen property and petty theft. His bail was set at $177,000.

Velazquez was held on 12 similar charges. Her bail was set at $55,500.

[Last modified July 16, 2006, 10:58:33]