Man stole to remodel home, deputies say

He is accused of taking furniture and appliances from unoccupied houses in Land O'Lakes.

By HELEN ANNE TRAVIS, Times Staff Writer
Published October 5, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Andres Enrique Ramirez, 32, was arrested on charges of stealing more than $8,000 worth of furniture and appliances.

LAND O'LAKES - Talk about decorating on a dime.

Pasco County deputies arrested Andres Enrique Ramirez, 32, Wednesday on charges of stealing more than $8,000 worth of furniture and appliances from several unoccupied Land O'Lakes homes.

He wanted the goods, deputies say he told them, because he was remodeling his house in Tampa.

In August, construction supervisors reported items missing from sites on Sweet William Terrace, Holland House Loop, Jasmine Brook Circle and Cypress Bay Parkway. Missing items included a stainless steel dishwasher, a microwave and a refrigerator. A washer, a dryer and a Timberlake cabinet valued at $5,000 were also missing from the sites.

A witness noted Ramirez's license plate as he left one of the sites. It is unclear whether the witness noted something suspicious about the man.

The tag number helped deputies track down Ramirez.

"The point we try to reiterate to foremen and construction companies is that they really can help out if they jot down license plates of individuals coming in and out of construction sites," said Doug Tobin, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Office.

Ramirez identified himself to deputies as a delivery driver for USG Supply, and deputies believe he used his work van to transport the stolen items. But USG, a gypsum product supplier based in Chicago, said his employment was terminated in August 2006.

Ramirez was charged with stealing from two homes in a neighborhood across the street from the Land O'Lakes jail, where he was being held Thursday on burglary charges. His bail was set at $20,000.

Helen Anne Travis can be reached at 352 521- 6518 or htravis@sptimes.com

[Last modified October 4, 2007, 21:47:43]