Toy Train Theft Lands New Port Richey Man On Wrong Side Of Tracks

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- Pasco County Sheriff's deputies arrested a 42-year-old New Port Richey man in connection with the theft of $2,000 worth of Lionel toy trains.

Joseph Vincent Murphy, 42, was charged Wednesday, Jan. 30, with grand theft.

According to the sheriff's office, Gennaro Cristiano of Bayoney Lane permitted Murphy to stay in his condominium from Oct. 1 to Jan. 3 while Murphy was remodeling a bathroom in the condo. During that period, Cristiano said Murphy stole two collectible Lionel miniature trains from him.

The trains showed up at Cousins Gold & Silver Company pawn shop under a pawn ticket with Murphy's name and fingerprint.

Murphy told deputies that he did not recall stealing and pawning the trains.

He was charged with grand theft, dealing in stolen property and false verification of ownership.

Image via Pasco Sheriff

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