Deputies: Sarasota Man's Burglary Spree Over

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A 31-year-old man faces a number of criminal charges after Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies say they caught him behind the wheel of a stolen car while under the influence.

Emmanuel Verganzo-Santos was charged Wednesday after deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen, a media release stated. Verganzo-Santos of 4824 Las Vegas Drive was behind the wheel despite knowing his license was suspected and was impaired at the time, an arrest report stated.

Through the course of their investigation, deputies say they established a connection between Verganzo-Santos and several recent crimes throughout Sarasota. He has been connected to three auto thefts and two home burglaries, the media release stated.

Described by authorities as a “prolific offender,” Verganzo-Santos has been previously arrested for “dozens of felony-level crimes including battery, dealing in stolen property and multiple drug offenses,” the release stated. He now faces two counts of burglary of an occupied dwelling, three counts of grand theft auto, one charge of DUI and a single count of driving with a suspended license.

Verganzo-Santos was being held Firday at the Sarasota County Jail in lieu of $21,500 bond.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office